Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Sift dry ingredients; add alternately with banana and buttermilk.
Fill paper-lined cupcake pans 1/2 full. Bake in moderate oven (375 degrees) for about 20 minutes. Make 20 cupcakes. Frost with Butter Cream.
Butter Cream: Cream 1/4 Cup Butter and 2 Cups Sifted Confectioner's Sugar. Add 1 Teaspoon Vanilla and 2 Tablespoons Cream. Beat.