3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. mashed ripe bananas (3 to 4 large)
2 eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Heavily grease and flour a 12-cup fluted tube pan. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Stir until just blended. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes in pan. Turn onto rack to cool completely.

Serves 12 to 16.