Heat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and set a rack on top.
Arrange bacon pieces on the rack in a single layer. Bake until starting to crisp at edges, 12–15 minutes.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup; simmer until bubbling, about 3 minutes.
Whisk in warm cream, vanilla, kosher salt, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, 1–2 minutes until smooth and glossy.
Transfer par-baked bacon to a bowl. Toss with about two-thirds of the maple caramel and the pecans to coat.
Return coated bacon to the rack and bake until deeply glazed and crisp, 6–8 minutes.
Drizzle with remaining caramel. Sprinkle with flaky salt and black pepper. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or add a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel. For make-ahead, bake and glaze, then chill up to 2 days; rewarm on a rack at 325°F for 6–8 minutes until sticky again.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Maple Caramel Bacon Bites flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.