Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches) with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent the pudding from sticking to the sides.

Step 2: Prepare the bread

Cut the stale bread slices into cubes (around 1-inch pieces). If your bread isn’t stale yet, you can toast the cubes slightly in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out. Place the bread cubes into the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Make the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), melted butter, and salt. Ensure the mixture is well combined to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Combine bread and custard

Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread cubes down with the back of a spoon or spatula so they soak up the custard. Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes to fully absorb.

Step 5: Add raisins (optional)

If you’re using raisins, sprinkle them over the soaked bread mixture. Gently fold them into the pudding so they are evenly distributed. Raisins will plump up during baking and add delightful bursts of sweetness.

Step 6: Bake the bread pudding

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crispy while the inside remains soft and custardy.

Step 7: Make the vanilla sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The sauce should be smooth and velvety. Set aside.

Step 8: Serve

Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the vanilla sauce. For an extra indulgent touch, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream