Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients - Collect all the essentials: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberries.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven - Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pans - Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes come out easily.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients - In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 7: Bake the Cakes - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes - Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Strawberry Filling - Slice fresh strawberries and mix them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit to release their juices.
Step 10: Make the Chocolate Frosting - Beat together softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy and spreadable.
Step 11: Assemble the Cake - Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, add strawberries, then top with the second cake layer.
Step 12: Frost the Cake - Cover the entire cake with the chocolate frosting, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish.
Step 13: Decorate and Serve - Top with extra strawberries or chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation. Slice and enjoy your delicious creation!