Follow these easy instructions to create your very own Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake with a Buttery Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the batter.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until silky.
3. Layer the Yellow Cake Mix: Sprinkle the box of yellow cake mix evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Do not mix; it should form a dry layer.
4. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the dry cake mix layer, ensuring it spreads evenly but do not stir. The two layers will create a lovely contrast as it bakes.
5. Melt the Butter: In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cream cheese mixture, making sure to cover it well.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving if desired.

These simple steps will guide you toward making this incredible dessert effortlessly.