Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant red.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Prepare the cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until just combined.
• Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan.
• Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.