Making Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is straightforward. Follow these steps to create this delightful dessert:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread with raisins or chocolate chips if using. Set aside.
3. Mix the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
4. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked well. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the custard.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
8. Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding cools, prepare the vanilla sauce by whisking together 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Do not boil.
9. Serve: Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over individual servings of bread pudding.

These steps will guide you to create this incredible dessert with ease!