Preheat the oven to 320F.
To make the pudding,
heat the cream and milk in a heavy-based
pan over a low heat, then add the sugar, vanilla essence, eggs and melted
butter to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, mix well together and simmer until the
sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, line a medium sized, deep baking tray with parchment paper. Slice
the bread into square shapes and dip each piece into the cream mix until soaked
through.
Layer the bread onto the baking tray, with a sprinkle of sultanas, raisins and
dried fruit in between each slice.
When the bread is all used, pour the
remaining mixture all over the tray.
Cover the baking tray with parchment paper
and place the baking tray in the oven.