Can you use shortening instead of butter for a cake?

While it is technically possible to substitute shortening for butter in a cake recipe, it is not recommended as it will significantly alter the texture and flavor of the cake. Shortening is a solid vegetable fat, while butter is a dairy product made from milk. Butter contains water and milk solids which give cakes a richer flavor and softer texture. Substituting shortening for butter will result in a denser and drier cake with a less pronounced flavor. Additionally, shortening has a higher melting point than butter, so it can make cakes more prone to overbaking and browning too quickly.