Creating Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding with Cream Sauce is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and chocolate chips. Toss to distribute the chocolate evenly.
3. Make the Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and chocolate chips. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is coated.
5. Let it Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, giving the bread time to absorb the liquid.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
9. Prepare the Cream Sauce (optional): While the pudding cools, you can prepare the cream sauce. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until warm. Stir in 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook until the sugar is dissolved, and the sauce is slightly thickened.
10. Serve: Drizzle the cream sauce over warm bread pudding before serving for an extra decadent touch.