2 1/4 c. cake flour
1 2/3 c. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. shortening, oil
2/3 c. buttermilk
3 eggs
1 1/4 c. mashed bananas
2/3 c. finely chopped nuts or raisins

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour baking pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches or 2 (9 inch) pans or 3 (8 inch) round pans. Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl. Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes on high speed. Scrape bowl occasionally. Pour into pans.

Bake in oblong pans for 45 to 50 minutes; if using layer pans bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool.

VANILLA BUTTER FROSTING:

1/3 c. soft butter
3 c. confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tsp. milk or 2 tbsp. milk

Blend butter, sugar and stir in vanilla and milk; beat until smooth. Ice cake after cooled.