Easy Birthday Cake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

Combine 3 tablespoons water, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons baking powder in a small bowl to make an egg substitute. Whisk until well combined.

Combine cake flour, sugar, 1 1/4 cups water, shortening, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Add egg substitute and beat with an electric mixer until well mixed, about 4 minutes. Pour batter into the prepared cake pans.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack. Let cool completely before topping with your choice of frosting.