Pumpkin Caramel Bread Pudding

Name: Pumpkin Caramel Bread Pudding
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 cups heavy cream; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups whole milk; 4 large eggs plus 6 large yolks; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 8 cups stale cubed challah (about one 1-pound loaf, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; see Cook's Note); 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces; Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving