Making the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Soak Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and cream. Add the bread cubes and let them soak until the bread is very soft, about 10 minutes. Gently stir occasionally to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and add raisins if using. Gently fold everything together to ensure the bread is evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Making the Vanilla Sauce:
- Mix Sugar and Cornstarch: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in the cold water until smooth.
- Cook Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the heavy cream. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Serving the Bread Pudding:
- Serve Warm: Spoon warm bread pudding into serving dishes and drizzle generously with the warm vanilla sauce.
Additional Tips:
- Bread Choice: For best results, use a bread that’s 1-2 days old as it absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread.
- Customizing: Feel free to add other elements like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the bread pudding before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Storing and Reheating: Bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. The vanilla sauce should be stored separately in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
This dessert not only satisfies sweet cravings but also offers a delightful texture and rich flavor profile, making it a beloved choice for both everyday treats and special occasions.