Warm, comforting bread pudding with a custardy center and golden top is a classic family dessert that transforms stale bread into magic. This cozy, old-fashioned treat is best served with warm sauce.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
Cube the day-old bread and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish; sprinkle raisins over the bread for even distribution.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until combined; then add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and raisins, pressing down gently to soak all bread cubes. Let it sit for 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid thoroughly.
Dot the top of the pudding with the remaining tablespoon of butter and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center emerges moist but not liquid.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with a sauce of your choice.