Pumpkin Mascarpone Cheesecake with Candied Cinnamon Pecans

This pumpkin cheesecake is made with a combination – equal parts – cream cheese and mascarpone. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese that has a lighter and creamier texture than regular cream cheese, with a much more mild flavor. Using mascarpone cheese results in the creamy texture of this cheesecake rather than a more dense traditional version.