Caramel Date Bars with Cranberries and Walnuts

Caramel Date Bars with Cranberries and Walnuts

1 cup cranberries

2 tablespoons PLUS 1/2 cup sugar, divided

2-1/3 cups flour, divided

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup butter or margarine, melted

1-1/2 cups chopped dates

1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

1 cup caramel ice cream topping



Preheat oven to 350 F.



In small bowl, combine cranberries and 2 tablespoons sugar; set aside. In medium bowl stir together 2 cups flour, oats, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir in melted butter, blend well. Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture. Press remaining crumbs in bottom of 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes.



Sprinkle dates, walnuts and cranberry mixture evenly over crust. Stir together caramel topping and remaining 1/3 cup flour; drizzle over fruits and nuts. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Return to oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.



Servings: 54

jackie austin