Creating the Classic Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Vanilla Sauce is a rewarding process. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

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: In a large bowl, add the cubed bread. If using fresh bread, allow it to sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.

3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

4. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Gently fold in the raisins and nuts if desired.

5. Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, letting the bread soak up the custard.

6. Bake: Pour the soaked mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

8. Prepare the Warm Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding cools, combine the cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

9. Serve: Cut the bread pudding into squares and serve warm, drizzled with the warm vanilla sauce.