Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease your bundt or loaf pan with 1 tablespoon of shortening. Make sure to coat all the crevices to prevent the cake from sticking. Then, dust the greased pan with 1 tablespoon of flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a non-stick surface, ensuring easy removal of the cake after baking.

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Whisking the dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, ensuring the cake rises uniformly. Set the dry mixture aside as you'll be adding it to the wet ingredients shortly.

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and 1/2 cup of shortening on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Properly creaming these fats helps incorporate air into the batter, making the cake lighter and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.

Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.

This gradual incorporation of eggs helps maintain the airiness of the batter. Beating each egg well ensures a smooth, homogenous mixture.

Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.

This step avoids overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture. Mixing just until incorporated ensures the cake stays light and fluffy.

Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of the cake.

The vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the cake, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and butter.

Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. This will ensure that the cake is baked through but still moist and tender.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully.

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. This adds a slight sweetness and a lovely visual touch to the cake.