Making your Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.

2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, water, and eggs. Mix well until smooth and no lumps remain.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until creamy and well combined.

4. Layer the Mixtures: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter evenly. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer.

5. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

6. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.

7. Serve: After cooling, cut the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgence!