Banana Walnut Cake

2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon salt sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups banana, mashed
2/3 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2/3 cup black walnuts, chopped
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Sift first 4 ingredients together with 1 2/3 cups sugar in large bowl. Add shortening, bananas and 1/3 cup buttermilk. Beat for 2 minutes, mixing well. Add remaining buttermilk and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes. Fold in walnuts. Pour into 3 greased and floured 9-inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cakes test done. Combine egg whites, 1 1/2 cups sugar, cream of tartar and 1/3 cup water in top of double boiler. Cook over boiling water for 7 minutes, beating constantly. Beat in vanilla until of spreading consistency. Spread between layers, on top and sides of cooled cake.