Try canned squash
You can substitute the oil with applesauce. I know it sounds strange, but it works.
It's about half. So you would need about 6 cups of pureed pumpkin.
applesauce, applebutter, prunebutter, and pumpkin.
Oil can be substituted with something to keep it moist. This can be something like banana, potato, or eggs.
Some of the oil can be replaced by applesauce, but not all of it.
You can substitute butter with applesauce, pureed prunes, or apple butter. No joke! Yes, it sounds discusting, it probably is. don't ask me I've never tried it.
Pumpkin that is pureed, or blended smooth, maybe with a little salt.
I'm a huge fan of replacing oil with applesauce. If the recipe calls for 1/2 c. of oil, I use 1/2 c. applesauce as a healthy alternative. You will not taste apple regardless of the cake's flavor. If you don't keep applesauce in your home you can also use sour cream, or plain yogurt in the same way. Best of luck! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hmm!! leaving out the shortening will affect the texture of the cake, I will not say the above answer is wrong but try it on a small cake first.
Applesauce or maynonnaise Applesauce or maynonnaise
unsweetened applesauce
Applesauce can be substituted for shortening in some cookie recipes, although the resulting cookies will be noticeably different from those made with shortening. Applesauce should not be used in shortbread-type cookies.
Pumpkin cheesecake is a cheesecake with pureed pumpkin added. Here is a recipe. It's delicious! http://www.cherskitchen.com/recipes/desserts/pumpkin_cheesecake.php