In a medium bowl, sift together dry ingredients and set aide.
In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening with an electric mixer on high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla and beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time. Alternate adding flour mixture and water and beat until combined.
Grease and flour cake pans (four 6" pans, two 9" pans or one 9x13" pan) and line bottoms with parchment. Distribute batter evenly between pans and bake at 350 until a wooden toothpick comes out clean, 20-40 minutes, depending upon pan size.
Frosting
Cream together all ingredients except powdered sugar. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Additional powdered sugar may be necessary to make icing pipeable.
Recipe Notes
Recipe and photos from Mayhem in the Kitchen!
Cake recipe adapted from Better Homes and Garden's New Cookbook