Banana Nut Bread with Frosting

Ingredients

Banana Nut Bread

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp vanilla extract, or more to taste
• 1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Frosting

• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 stick), softened
• 2 to 3 tsp vanilla extract, or another flavoring to taste
• Half-and-half, milk, or cream, as needed

Method