1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light.

4. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla, mixing gently.

5. Fold in dry ingredients and strawberries. Add coloring if desired.

6. Divide batter into pans and bake for 28–32 minutes.

7. Let cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

8. To make custard: heat milk until steaming.

9. Whisk yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in another bowl.

10. Slowly add hot milk, whisking constantly.

11. Return to pan and cook until thickened (6–8 minutes).

12. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, cool and refrigerate.

13. Once cake and custard are cool, level cake layers.

14. Spread custard over first layer, top with second layer.

15. Decorate with whipped cream and strawberries. Chill 30 minutes before slicing.