- To the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add cream cheese. Beat until smooth and creamy. 
- Add the sugar. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. 
- Beat in the sour cream. Then, add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves. Mix until just combined. 
- When ready, pour into the baked crust. 
- Place the foil-wrapped springform pan with the cheesecake in it into a slightly larger pan and carefully place it into the oven. Pour hot water into the larger pan, 3-4 inches deep, or about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Using a teapot with hot water works very well, as it is easy to pour and the water is already hot. 
- Bake for about 1 hour 45 minutes. The center will still be slightly jiggly. 
- Remove from the oven and out of the roasting pan. Let it cool on a wire rack to room temperature. 
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours, up to overnight. 
- When ready, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Serve topped with dollops of whipped cream and chopped pecans (optional).