BANANA SNACK CAKE

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2-3 medium)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose or whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Frosting:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter or margarine

6 Tbsp. milk

2 1/2  – 3 cups powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in bananas and vanilla.  Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.  Stir in nuts.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.  Bake at 350° for 25 – 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack.

For frosting, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil and stir for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat; cool to lukewarm.  Gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting reaches spreading consistency.  Frost the cake.