Classic Bread Pudding

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. If using raisins, scatter them evenly among the bread cubes.
2. Make the custard mixture
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
3. Soak the bread
   Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread is soaked. Let stand for about 10 minutes, occasionally pressing the bread down to absorb the custard.
4. Prepare for baking
   Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread. Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and add enough hot water to the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a water bath.
5. Bake the pudding
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The pudding should be slightly jiggly in the center but not liquid.
6. Serve warm
   Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Bread pudding can be served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.