Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in the butter.
  2. Press onto the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.
  4. Cool on a wire rack.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  6. Add eggs, pumpkin and spices; beat just until combined.
  7. Pour into crust.
  8. Place cheesecake/pan in a large rectangular baking pan filled with 2 inches of hot water; place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 1 hour or until center is almost set.
  9. Remove cheesecake from oven and water-filled pan and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  10. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.
  11. Refrigerate until completely cooled (center will fall).
  12. Remove sides of pan just before serving.
  13. Garnish with whipped cream.