Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then beat in 1 tsp vanilla.
Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool completely.
For fruit filling, toss berries with 2 tbsp sugar and let sit 15 minutes. Mash slightly with a fork.
For cream, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread half the cream, then top with half the berry mixture. Repeat with second layer, remaining cream, and berries. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for best texture.