Cranberry-Date Caramel Bars

I found this recipe on the package of craisins and it is chewy good. The only change i might be tempted to make is to sprinkle some chocolate chips on the crust along with the fruit and nuts, but that's me!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄3 cups flour, divided
• 2  cups rolled oats
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1  cup butter, melted (I use unsalted so I added 1/4 t. salt to the recipe when making the crumb mixture)
• 1 (6 ounce) package dried cranberries
• 1  cup  chopped dates
• 1  cup  toasted chopped pecans
• 1  cup  caramel ice cream topping

Directions

1. Grease, or spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
3. In medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, rolled oats, sugars,soda (and salt, if using).
4. Stir in melted butter to form crumbs.
5. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
6. Press remainder into bottom of prepared pan.
7. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
8. Sprinkle evenly with dried cranberries, dates, and pecans.
9. Stir together caramel topping and 1/3 cup flour; drizzle over fruits and nuts.
10. sprinkle with reserved crumbs.
11. Bake an additional 18-20 minutes.
12. Cool in pan on rack.
13. Cut into 24 bars.