What are the two common mixing methods for making shortened a cake?

1. Creaming Method: This is the most traditional method, where you cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, which helps to make the cake light and airy. Then, you add eggs one at a time, followed by alternating dry and wet ingredients.

2. One-Bowl Method: This method is simpler and quicker. You combine all the ingredients in one bowl and mix them until just combined. This is often used in recipes for quick breads and other simpler desserts.

Both methods will result in a delicious cake, but the creaming method will generally produce a cake with a finer crumb and a slightly higher rise. The one-bowl method is faster and easier for busy bakers.