# What You'll Need:
→ Sponge Cake
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
05 - 1/4 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Filling & Topping
09 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
10 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
13 - Edible flowers or mint leaves, for decoration (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; do not overbeat.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.
08 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks and let cool completely.
09 - In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
10 - Once cakes are completely cool, trim tops with a serrated knife if needed to level the layers.
11 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over the surface and top with half the sliced strawberries.
12 - Place the second cake layer on top. Spread remaining whipped cream and arrange remaining strawberries decoratively.
13 - Garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.