Step 1

Grease a 9x13-inch pan, and set aside.

Step 2

Cut bread into 2-inch cubes. In a large bowl, mix together bread cubes and pecans. Place the mixture evenly in the pan. Note: if using pecans, lightly toast them with butter in a saucepan on the stove for a few minutes first.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and sugar. Add cream and vanilla extract, and whisk to combine. Pour cream mixture over bread mixture in the pan until completely covered. Gently press down the bread cubes to fully cover with custard. It's best to let the bread pudding sit for 1 hour, covered, at room temperature, but if you're in a hurry, you can bake it right away.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 325°F/160°C. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until custard has set and the top is golden brown. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Don’t over bake or the bread will be dry. Let the pudding cool slightly before serving.

Step 5

Bread pudding can be served warm or cold. It is best the same dat it's made.