Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease well a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom tightly with aluminum foil. Set out a roasting pan large enough to fit the springform pan.
Make the crust.
In a large bowl, place the cookie crumbs and melted butter and mix until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumbs into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the prepared pan. Set the pan aside.
Make the filling.
In a large bowl with a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place the cream cheese and flour, and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the sugar and the molasses, and beat until well-combined.
Add the eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, and mix just until smooth. The eggs should not be overbeaten.
Scrape the filling out of the bowl and on top of the crust in the prepared pan. Spread into an even layer.
Bake the cheesecake.
Place the cheesecake in the center of the roasting pan and place it on the center rack of the preheated oven.
Fill the roasting pan with hot water until the water reaches about halfway up the side of the springform pan.
Close the oven door, and bake for about an hour, or until most of the cake is set, but the center is still somewhat loose when shaken from side to side.
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door a bit, leaving the cake inside. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and chill until ready to serve (at least 2 hours). Unmold the chilled cake and loosen the bottom from the pan. Transfer carefully to a serving platter.
For the optional topping.
Place the chopped chocolate in a small, heat-safe bowl. Place the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Allow to sit for a few minutes until the chocolate begins to melt, then stir until melted and smooth.
Pour over the entire cake or individual slices.
Slice with a hot, wet knife for clean slices. For even cleaner slices, freeze the cake a bit before slicing.
Notes
Original recipe published on the blog in 2011 (!). In 2016, recipe simplified, chocolate topping added, all photos and text new. In 2022, text resources added.