Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the mashed strawberries.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cakes are cooled, frost with your choice of frosting (strawberry buttercream or cream cheese frosting work well) and garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.