Most classic layer cakes, from birthday cakes to red velvet cake to even carrot cake, fall into the category of shortened cakes. Usually, layer cakes are prepared in one of three ways:

1. Creaming method: The butter or fat is creamed with sugar to create pockets of air before adding the wet and dry ingredients to the batter.
2. One-bowl method: The ingredients are mixed together in the same bowl, without any special creaming
3. Cream-and-whip method: Similar to the creaming method, this variation is characterized by whipping the egg whites separately and then incorporating them into the batter shortly before it is poured into baking pans. This results in a light texture.