1/2 lb. sweet butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 c. mashed ripe bananas
1 3/4 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 tsp. baking soda
5 tbsp. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 1/2 to 2 bananas, sliced
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 (9 inch) layer cake pans. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Add mashed bananas, mix well. Sift dry ingredients and add to butter and egg mixture. Stir until flour is completely incorporated. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Mix for 1 minute. Pour into buttered pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes.

When cooled, place one layer on plate, frost with Cream Cheese frosting and arrange sliced bananas over frosting. Cover with second layer, frost top and sides. Decorate with banana slices and chopped nuts.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 tbsp. sweet butter, softened
3 c. confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream together butter and cream cheese in bowl. Slowly sift in sugar and continue beating until well mixed. No lumps. Stir in vanilla.