Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight -

Ingredients:
For the Red Velvet Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer:
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream (Optional):
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Make the Red Velvet Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled red velvet cake. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
7. Make the Strawberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and the mixture thickens. Let cool.
8. Make the Whipped Cream (Optional): In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Assemble the Cake: Spread the strawberry topping over the cheesecake layer. Add dollops of whipped cream if desired.