Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed cookie crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until the mixture is evenly moistened.

Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom and along the sides of a 9- or 10-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes to help it set, then remove and let it cool. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) for the cheesecake filling.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and light brown sugar together using medium speed until creamy and smooth, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Add the pumpkin puree, sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Continue mixing, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Crack the eggs in, one at a time, and gently mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust. If you are using the water bath method, wrap the base of the springform pan in a slow cooker liner or heavy-duty foil. Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and fill it with hot water until it reaches about an inch up the sides of the springform pan.

Transfer the cheesecake to the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. The cheesecake should appear set around the edges but remain slightly jiggly in the center.

Once the baking time is complete, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door closed for 45 minutes, allowing it to slowly cool.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven (and the water bath, if applicable) and let it sit at room temperature until fully cooled. Then, place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip and pipe swirls over the top of the chilled cheesecake right before serving for an elegant finish.