• Pre-heat your oven to 350°F, and grease a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Beat the cream cheese by itself and set aside.
• Mix together the lemon zest and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• Then add the cake mix and cream cheese into the lemon sugar mixture, mixing well.
• Next add the canola oil, hot water, and eggs, mixing everything together 'til you have a smooth, creamy batter.
• Pour the cake batter into the pan you prepped in the first step.
• Bake at 350° for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• If you're not making the lemon glaze, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes or so in the pan before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack. If you're going to add the glaze, you'll want to make it while the cake is still warm and in the pan.

How to Make Lemon Glaze for Pound Cake (Optional)

• Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice to 1 cup of powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl, whisking together 'til smooth.
• Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake
• Pour your powdered sugar lemon glaze all over the top while it’s still warm and in the pan.
• Let it cool another 5-10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Slice and serve with whipped cream!