Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor in this recipe.
Beat sugar and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs, banana, and vanilla, beating well.
Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to banana mixture, beating until combined. Stir in chopped walnuts.
Pour into a greased and floured 8-inch loaf pan.
Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove loaf from pan, and cool completely on wire rack.
