Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; stir in vanilla. Add sifted ingredients alternately with bananas; blend until smooth after each addition. Pour into 2 well-greased 9-inch layer cake pans. Bake in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, then remove from pans.

Banana Nut Cake: Fold 1/2 cup chopped nuts into cake batter. Banana Spice Cake: Sift 1/8 teaspoon cloves, 1-1/4 teaspoons cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg with dry ingredients.

To Frost: Spread bottom layer with frosting, cream pie filling, or whipped cream. Dip banana slices in lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Place slices upright around outer edge of cake.