Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix the batter to keep it light and airy.

Step 5: Add the Boiling Water
Slowly add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be very thin, but that’s completely normal. It will result in a moist and soft cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While the cakes are cooling, chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and set aside to release their natural juices.

Step 8: Make the Strawberry Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the chopped strawberries and mix until fully combined. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the strawberries before adding them.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry frosting on top, followed by a layer of chopped fresh strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining strawberry frosting.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve
For a finishing touch, garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.