PRINCESS DIANA'S BIRTHDAY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• To make cake: Grease bottom and sides of two 8- or 9-inch round layer-cake pans.
• Line bottoms with parchment or waxed paper; grease paper.
• Add granulated sugar to each pan, tilt to coat bottom and sides; shake out excess.
• Beat eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until pale, about 1 minute.
• Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating about 2 minutes (or more, as needed) until mixture is thick, tripled in volume and forms a slowly dissolving ribbon when beaters are lifted.
• Working quickly, stir in water and vanilla.
• Fold in flour mixture just until completely blended.
• Pour into prepared pans.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes until tops are lightly browned and toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
• Cool in pans on rack 10 minutes.
• Run thin-bladed knife between sides of pans and cakes to loosen.
• Invert pans on rack; peel off paper and cool completely.
• To make filling: Beat cream and vanilla in a large bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form when beaters are lifted.
• Gradually beat in sugar until cream is of spreading consistency.
• To assemble: Slice each layer in half horizontally, using a long serrated knife.
• Place one layer on serving plate, spread with 1 cup whipped cream, top with one-third of the sliced berries.
• Repeat with two more layers.
• Place remaining layer on top; spread remaining cream over sides and top.
• Garnish with reserved berries.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.