Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.

Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans and rice cereal. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the pecan and cereal mixture, stirring until everything is well coated.

Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.