Creating this amazing Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delightful dessert:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed stale bread in a large mixing bowl. If using, add the raisins and toss to combine.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir until the bread is fully soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the custard.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
8. Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding cools, make the vanilla sauce by creaming together the powdered sugar and softened butter in a bowl. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing until smooth and creamy.
9. Adjust Consistency: Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dessert effortlessly. Each step builds upon the last, leading to a final product that is sure to impress!