First, start by creaming together the sugar and cream cheese in a stand mixer on low speed.
Pour the heavy cream and vanilla extract into the mixer while still mixing.
Add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Continue mixing.
Add in each egg one at a time and mix just until combined. Do not over mix.
Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the pumpkin spice cheesecake filling into the crust.
Tap the springform pan against the counter to bring air bubbles to the surface.
Use a fork to pop as many air bubbles as possible.
Cover with aluminum foil. You may also cover the bottom of the pan with foil if your springform pan tends to leak.
Add water to the instant pot. See notes below for quantities.
Place the cheesecake on a sling if you have one. If not, you may use the trivet. The sling just makes the process of removing the cheesecake from the instant pot a lot easier.
Lower the cheesecake into the instant pot and close the lid.
Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes with a 10 minute natural release.
Release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
Remove the cheesecake and let it sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to an hour before transferring to the refrigerator. I recommend uncovering the cheesecake while it is at room temperature so that any condensation on top of the cheesecake can evaporate.
Before transferring to the refrigerator, run a small pairing knife around the cheesecake to loosen it up but leave it inside of the springform pan.
Cover again and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and release it from the springform pan before serving.
Finally top with whipped cream and chopped pecans if desired and enjoy.