DIRECTIONS

1. HEAT oven to 325°F. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with flour no-stick cooking spray.
2. STIR together sugar, baking soda, apple pie spice and salt in a large bowl. Add shortening, eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth.
3. STIR in apples, dates, lemon juice and zest, blending just until well coated; add flour until evenly combined. Spread batter in prepared baking dish.
4. BAKE in center of oven 55 to 65 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in baking pan on a cooling rack.
5. SPOON caramel topping into small saucepan over low heat; stir until warm. Add pecans and bacon, continuing to stir just until heated through.
6. CUT cake into 15 squares; drizzle each serving with topping.