Follow these steps to create your Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce effortlessly:

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: Place the cubed bread in the greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle the raisins and chopped nuts evenly over the bread.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb.
5. Bake the Pudding: 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.
6. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
7. Prepare the Warm Vanilla Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and butter. Stir until the mixture comes to a simmer and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Serve: Spoon the warm bread pudding onto plates and drizzle generously with the warm vanilla sauce.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating a delightful bread pudding that everyone will rave about!