2 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 2/3 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. mashed bananas
2/3 c. shortening
3 eggs
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. finely chopped nuts
2/3 c. buttermilk
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour oblong pan, 13 x 9 x 2-inches, or two 9-inch or three 8-inch round layer pans. Beat all ingredients in a large mixing bowl at low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Pour into pans. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean (about 45 to 50 minutes for oblong, 35 to 40 minutes for layers). Cool. Frost with Vanilla Butter Frosting, if desired.

3 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. butter
2 Tbsp. milk (roughly)

Mix the powdered sugar and butter. Stir in the vanilla and milk; beat until frosting is smooth and of spreading consistency.