Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Blend until just combined – don't overmix!
Stir in the finely chopped strawberries until evenly distributed.
Divide the batter between your prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the strawberry buttercream frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
Stir in the vanilla extract and finely chopped strawberries.
Assemble and frost the cake:
Level the tops of the cakes if needed for a flat stacking surface.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of strawberry frosting.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Notes
Use fresh, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries may be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping.
For an extra explosion of strawberry flavor, add a thin layer of strawberry preserves between the cake layers.