**Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper.

**Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.

**Combine Wet Ingredients:** In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and black food coloring until well combined.

**Make the Batter:** Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using an electric mixer on low speed. Beat until the batter is smooth.

**Bake the Cakes:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Prepare the Frosting:** In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

**Assemble the Cake:** Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with an offset spatula.

**Decorate:** Add spooky decorations like black sprinkles, candy spiders, or edible glitter for a hauntingly beautiful finish.