Next, I heat my frying pan over medium heat and add a little butter (or oil, if you prefer). Taking each slice of bread, I dip it into the pumpkin mixture, allowing it to soak for just a minute to absorb that delightful flavor. I like to let the excess drip off before placing it gently into the hot pan. As it cooks, I listen for that lovely sizzling sound that lets me know I’m on the right track. I cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.
When the French toast slices are ready, I usually place them on a serving plate and keep them warm in the oven while I prepare the rest. They cook pretty quickly, so I like to make sure they stay nice and toasty until all the pieces are done. And trust me, your house will smell amazing by this time!
Finally, I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving. You can drizzle some maple syrup or even a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Each bite is like a perfect blend of fluffy bread and creamy pumpkin, and I can hardly wait to dig in!
Pro Tips for Best Results
1. I tested this recipe using both brioche and challah bread, and my favorite was definitely brioche. Its buttery texture soaks up the pumpkin mixture beautifully, giving you that rich, comforting bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try using cinnamon raisin bread for an extra flavor punch!
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Make sure not to over-soak the bread; a quick dip is often enough. If the bread becomes too soggy, it won’t hold its shape while cooking. Trust me, a moment of hesitation can make all the difference in getting that ideal French toast texture, which should be fluffy on the inside but slightly crispy on the outside.
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Don’t rush the cooking process! Keeping the heat on medium allows for even cooking, and the last thing you want is to have burnt edges with a doughy center. Patience truly pays off here, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made the first time I prepared this was not whisking the pumpkin mixture well enough. There were clumps of pumpkin that didn’t blend in, leading to uneven flavors. Make sure to whisk until it’s smooth, which allows each bite to deliver that lovely pumpkin pie essence. (See the next page below to continue…)