Preheat oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream the softened butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool completely before slicing.
Heat 2 cups of whole milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a bowl.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap pressed to the surface and cool.
Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers.
Place one cake layer on a plate, spread custard over it, and sprinkle with diced strawberries.
Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and custard.
Spread custard on top and garnish with halved strawberries.
Pipe whipped cream around the edges for decoration.
Chill the cake for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.