Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 15 cm (6–7 inch) round cake pan with parchment paper.

Sift the cake flour and cornstarch twice and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together milk, neutral oil, and vanilla extract. Set aside.

Bring a pot of water (~2.5 inches high) to a gentle simmer over medium low to low heat.

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or heatproof bowl), add eggs, egg yolk, sugar, and honey. Mix slightly, then place over the simmering water bath. Heat until warm to the touch (about 40–43°C / 104–110°F).

Immediately transfer to the stand mixer and beat on high speed (Speed 10) for 5–6 minutes until the volume increases and thick ribbons form.

Lower to medium speed (Speed 4) and beat for 1 more minute to smooth out the batter and eliminate large air bubbles.

Gently fold in the sifted flour and cornstarch using a spatula with a scooping and tossing motion.

Take a scoop of the batter and mix it with the milk-oil mixture until smooth.

Pour that back into the main batter and fold until fully incorporated and the batter flows smoothly.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles.

Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until golden and slightly springy.

Once out of the oven, tap the pan lightly, invert the cake onto a wire rack lined with paper towel, and let it cool completely.

Once cooled, wrap tightly until ready to assemble.

Heat sugar and water in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool.

Prepare an ice bath and place your mixing bowl into it. Add cold heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whip on high speed until medium peaks form.

Set aside half of the cream. Continue whipping the other half to stiff peaks for layering.

Slice strawberries into ¼-inch thick pieces. Reserve whole or halved strawberries for the top.

Using a cake slicer or serrated knife, slice your sponge cake horizontally into 2 or 3 even layers.

Lightly brush both sides of each layer with sugar syrup.

On the first layer, spread a thin layer of stiff whipped cream, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.

Spread another layer of cream over the strawberries.

Repeat with the second layer.

Place the final cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of cream.

Use the softer whipped cream to frost the entire cake and decorate.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to set.

Slice with a sharp knife, serve and enjoy!