Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar. Let them sit to release juices.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream together softened butter and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Add milk and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it in half horizontally.
Whip the heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form, then spread on the bottom layer of the cake. Layer with strawberries and top with the second cake half.