Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking pan with parchment paper. This step helps the brownies bake evenly and makes removal easy after baking.

Add flour, cocoa powder and salt to a bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined. This ensures even cocoa flavor in every bite.

In another bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, red food coloring and vanilla extract. Mix gently until shiny and well blended.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies soft and moist.

In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix again. Add egg yolk and beat until creamy and lump-free.

Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula so the base layer stays smooth.

Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Add remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl both layers.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out slightly moist, not wet.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using parchment paper. Cut into even squares before serving.