Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Create a pocket in the bread slices by cutting into the center from one side. Place bread on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 8 minutes. Flip the bread over and bake for another 8 minutes. This will JUST dry out the bread, there should be no browning. Take slices off baking sheet on to a wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, place cream cheese in a small bowl. Mix in pumpkin, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.

Stuff the bread with the filling.

In a shallow dish, mix together eggs, butter, milk, vanilla extract, sugar. Whisk in the flour and salt.

Soak the bread without over saturating, about 40 seconds per side; repeat with the remaining slices. Swirl 1 tablespoon butter plus 1 tablespoon oil in the hot skillet.

Transfer the prepared bread to the skillet in a single layer; cook until golden brown, about 1 minute 45 seconds on the first side and 1 minute on the second. Serve the French toast immediately. Continue, adding 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet for each new batch.