I call it pumpkin cake. Several of my family members call them “pumpkin bars.” I disagree even though the recipe, passed on from my Grandma herself, says “bars.” I contend that a bar is a denser, more compact type of dessert. A cake is fluffier, with a more crumby texture. I even have Google on my side, but my mom and sisters still maintain bar status with these.
WHATEVER IT IS (cake), it is delicious. Cream cheese frosting. The perfect density for a fluffiness but not dry, ever. I think the skill for baking has skipped me, but my mom and sister have the gift thank goodness.