In a saucepan, boil the 3 cups of water. Once boiling, turn off the heat and add the dates to soak for about 5 minutes. Drain out the water, and add the dates, nondairy milk, maple syrup if using, vanilla extract, salt, and cocoa powder to a food processor. Mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, mash the avocado well. Add the avocado to the date mixture in the food processor. Process until very smooth, adding a little more nondairy milk a teaspoon at a time if needed to get the processor blade going. Spoon into 4 dishes and chill for 2 hours.

Top with raspberries or chocolate shavings before serving if desired.