Creating the Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Prepare Cake Mix: In another large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix with water and lemon zest. Stir until well blended.
5. Layer the Cream Cheese: Pour half of the lemon cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Layer the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Use a spatula to spread it gently if necessary.
6. Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining lemon cake batter over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes in the pan.
9. Dust and Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With these instructions, you will create a luscious Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake that will leave your guests asking for seconds!