2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. mashed ripe banana
2/3 c. buttermilk or sour milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Grease and lightly flour two 9x12 inch round baking pans. In mixer bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add shortening and banana; beat on low speed of electric mixer until combined. Add buttermilk or sour milk, eggs, and vanilla; beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Turn batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done. Cool 10 minutes on wire racks. Remove from pans, cool thoroughly. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sifted powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar beating until smooth. Spread over cooled cake; sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.