Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering Red Velvet Cheesecake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well blended.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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

7. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.

8. Create the Cheesecake Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled red velvet cake layer in the springform pan.

9. Create a Water Bath (Optional): To prevent cracking, you can place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with water before returning it to the oven.

10. Bake Cheesecake Layer: Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.

11. Cool Completely: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for about an hour. Remove and let cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

12. Whip Cream (Optional): If desired, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Use this to top your cheesecake for an extra layer of flavor.

13. Decorate: Once chilled, remove from the springform pan. You can pipe whipped cream around the top and sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs for decoration.

14. Slice and Serve: Carefully slice the chilled cheesecake into pieces for serving.