Banana Sheet Cake

This beats boring old banana bread any day! Frosting is optional, but if you have the time...what a treat!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 15

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 3⁄4 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  cup  mashed ripe banana (about 2-3 medium bananas)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  nuts

• FROSTING

• 1⁄2 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 6  tablespoons milk
• 2 1⁄2-3  cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Cream together shortening and the sugars.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in bananas and vanilla.
4. Combine flour, soda and salt in a separate bowl, then add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
5. Stir in nuts.
6. Pour into a vegetable oil-sprayed 13x9" pan.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Cool before frosting.
9. TO PREPARE FROSTING: Combine brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan.
10. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
11. Remove from heat.
12. Cool a bit.
13. Gradually beat in powdered sugar till frosting reaches spreading consistency.