Making Bourbon Pumpkin Bread Pudding is simple. Follow these easy steps to achieve a delightful dessert:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Bread: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to sit out for about 10-15 minutes to dry slightly, which helps create a better texture when baked.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cubed bread in the large mixing bowl. Gently fold until all the bread is coated with the liquid.
5. Add Nuts: If using nuts, fold them into the mixture at this stage for added texture and flavor.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the pudding to firm up slightly.
9. Serve: Slice or scoop out portions of the warm pudding, and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Follow these straightforward instructions for a delicious Bourbon Pumpkin Bread Pudding that your friends and family will adore!