Vermont Maple Bread Pudding with Walnut Praline

Name: Vermont Maple Bread Pudding with Walnut Praline
Yield: 6 to 8 Servings
Ingredients: Nonstick vegetable oil spray; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped; 8 large eggs; 1 quart whipping cream; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 1-pound loaf brioche or egg bread, torn into bite-size pieces; Vanilla ice cream