Coat bottom and side of a 2-inch deep (very large) baking dish heavily with butter.
Tear bread (including ends) into 1-inch pieces.
Mix with raisins and spread it evenly in the prepared dish; be sure to turn as much of the crusts side down as they tend to burn easily
Whisk sugar, milk, whipping cream, vanilla, eggs and cinnamon until blended.
Pour over bread mixture.
(You can skip this step if you like) Place baking dish in a 4-inch deep baking pan. Add water to reach halfway up side of the baking dish. Bake for 1 hour in 325°F oven.
Remove from water bath and let stand until completely cold.
Spoon into dessert bowls, warm in the microwave and drizzle with warm Famous Dave's Praline Sauce (Recipe Below.)
Top with whipped cream and add a scoop of ice cream.