BILL’S FAVORITE BANANA CAKE

2 1/4 cups cake flour (sift before measuring)
1 2/3 cups white sugar
1 1/4 tsps. baking powder
1 1/4 tsps. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (Heidi’s note: I always use at 2 cups or more and if they’ve been frozen and then thawed, they add more moisture to the cake.)
2/3 cups finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)-optional

Heat oven to 350'. Grease and flour baking pans: one 13"x9"x2", or two 9"
or three 8" round layer pans.

Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl. Blend 1/2 minute on low
speed, scraping bowl constantly. Blend 3 minutes on high speed, scraping
bowl occasionally. Pour into pan(s).

Bake oblong 45 to 50 minutes, layers 35 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick
inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pan(s) for 15 minutes, then
turn out on cake rack(s). Frost with vanilla butter icing or cream cheese
icing.