Step 1

Grease the pan with the butter. Add the bread pieces and spread them evenly in the pan. Set it aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Step 3

Pour the mixture all over the bread pieces. Use a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon to press the bread pieces down so that they are coated well.

Step 4

Sprinkle the surface with the coarse sugar, if using.

Step 5

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350℉ / 180℃ and let the bread soak during this time.

Step 6

When the oven is ready, bake the bread pudding for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 8

In a medium saucepan, add the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Whisk over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

Step 9

Take the saucepan off the heat. Take 4 tablespoons of the hot mixture and add it to a small bowl with the cornstarch. Mix until the cornstarch is dissolved (I used a fork).

Step 10

Put the saucepan back on the heat. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 11

Add the butter and vanilla and whisk well so that the butter melts.

Step 12

Transfer the vanilla sauce to a bowl or small jug. It will thicken a bit as it cools. If it gets too thick, whisk in more milk to make it thinner.

Step 13

Pour over the bread pudding.

Step 14

Enjoy!