Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and position two racks—one in the middle and one on the lowest level. Start heating 3 cups of water in the microwave; you’ll need it when the cheesecake goes into the oven.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, spices, and vanilla on medium-high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the sides well 1-2 times. The mixture should be very smooth.
24 oz full fat, brick cream cheese, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cloves, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add the pumpkin puree and mix on low speed until just combined, scraping the sides as needed.
1 cup pumpkin puree
Add the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing until each is well combined before adding the next one. Scrape the bowl occasionally.
3 large eggs
Add the heavy cream on low until just combined. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and place the pan on a rimmed cookie sheet.
⅓ cup heavy cream
Place the cookie sheet with the cheesecake on the middle rack of the oven. Then place a roasting pan or 9x13 baking dish on the bottom rack and pour in the 3 cups of hot water. Close the oven door immediately.
Bake at 325 for 55 minutes. Then turn the oven off and prop the oven door slightly (I used a wooden spoon) and let it cool for 1 hour. Don't open the oven more than that crack or the heat will escape.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool 3-4 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate it uncovered overnight or until fully chilled. Once completely chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Serve with whipped cream (optional).
Whipped cream