Preheat over to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place a baking rack on top of that.
Combine the sugar and pecans in a food processor and process until the pecans are finely ground. Add the salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine. Add the maple syrup and pulse again to moisten the crumbs.
Cut each bacon slice in half. Use the back of a spoon to spread the pecan mixture evenly onto the bacon slices. You will use all the mixture. Place the bacon onto the backing rack without them touching. (I used a small spatula to assist with this move.)
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is very browned, but not burnt. (If its under baked the bacon will not crisp as it cools.) While it is hot, transfer the bacon to cool on paper towels.
Serve at room temperature.
Notes
These can be made early in the day and stored out at room temperature.