Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract