Can I change white sugar to brown sugar in this recipe?

Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake Recipe | MyRecipes.com

This is the cheesecake I’m thinking of making for Thanksgiving. I have made many cheesecakes before and they have all turned out very well, I always stick to the recipe though. I am just wondering if I can use brown sugar instead of white sugar to give it a better flavor. I don’t want to mess it up or anything. Also, if you have any tips on how to bake a cheesecake without getting cracks in it. I almost always get a crack.

Thanks!