Place the dates and dried plums into a small saucepan and cover with 11?2 cups water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat, cover, and let the dried fruit soak while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Sift or whisk together the barley flour, brown rice flour, carob powder, baking powder, and salt.

Place the maple syrup, canola oil, vanilla, and the date, dried plum, and water mixture into a blender. Process until completely smooth. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and stir together until well combined. Fold in the walnuts, carob chips, and dried cherries.

Spread the mixture out in the baking pan. Smooth the top using a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes, until the surface springs back to the touch.