Creating Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and raisins and/or nuts if using. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.
8. Prepare Vanilla Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Add water and stir until smooth. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
9. Add Vanilla: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Serve: Slice the bread pudding and serve warm, drizzled with the vanilla sauce.