Can you use oil for shortening in a chocolate cake recipe?

No, oil cannot be used in place of shortening in a chocolate cake recipe. Shortening is a solid fat that creates a moist, tender crumb in cakes, while oil is a liquid fat that will produce a denser, more oily cake. Additionally, shortening helps to aerate the batter, which is essential for a light and fluffy cake. Oil does not provide the same aeration, so the cake will be less airy and have a coarser texture.