Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a 6 inch cake pan with parchment paper.
Add the dates to a food processor and blend until a paste forms (if your dates are stiff, soak them in water water for 10 minutes and drain). Next add in the cacao and pulse until incorporated and a ball forms. Lastly add in the baking powder, salt and eggs. Pulse again until smooth - about 1 minute +. Transfer the batter to the pan and smooth out the top evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes - do not over bake. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting:
Whisk together the oil and cacao powder until incorprated. Then add in the maple syrup and whisk til smooth. Add it to your cooled cake and spread out evenly.