# 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, 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 and 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 - Optional: edible flowers or mint leaves, for decoration
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend 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 parts, alternating with whole milk and starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
09 - Trim tops of cooled cake layers as needed. Place one layer on serving plate.
10 - Spread half of whipped cream over first layer; arrange half of sliced strawberries on top.
11 - Place second cake layer on top. Spread remaining whipped cream and arrange remaining strawberries.
12 - Garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours.
