Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9-inch cake pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.

Cream together room temperature unsalted butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the large eggs one at a time and then incorporate the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smooth the top, and arrange halved strawberries cut side down on top, sprinkling sugar over them.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.