Banana Cake

I made this banana cake for the very first time last week for my scentsy party, and it was such a hit, that I thought I would post the recipe!!!
prep time: 20 minutes, bake time: 35 minutes, cool time: 2HOURS Oven at 350

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (sifted)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
3/4 buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
** I always sift my flour, it makes for lighter cakes, and cookies. Most recipes don't call for sifted flour, but I have found that the finished product turns out nicer.
** If you don't have buttermilk, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the milk and let it set for 5 minutes.
** I really mash my bananas too, almost like baby food.
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1. Grease and flour pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add bananas, milk, shortening, and vanilla. Beat until combined. I use my kitchen aid. Add eggs, (one at a time to mix) Pour into pans.
3. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes for round pans, or 35 minutes for sheet pan. Cool cake completely. I put my cake in the fridge. Frost with frosting. I used a cream cheese frosting... recipe to follow.
YUMMO!!!! If you try baking it for yourself, let me know what you thought!!!
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Cream cheese frosting
1. Beat together 6 ounces of SOFTENED cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter SOFTENED, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. ( I leave my cheese and butter out for about 2 hours.) Gradually add 2 cups SIFTED powdered sugar, beating well. Continue beating in 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups SIFTED powdered sugar until you reach the frosting consistency. Frost the cake and store in the fridge.
** VERY IMPORTANT** for a smooth frosting, the powdered sugar MUST be SIFTED. You will get lumpy frosting if you do not. If you need to thin the frosting, add a splash of milk, but be careful, a little goes a LONG way.
ENJOY!!
I plan on making this cake tomorrow, so I will post the picture!! I also add chopped walnuts to the top, but that is optional. Don't worry Paige, I will take your slice out, before I add the nuts.
Happy Baking, and as always, Happy Reading.