Mary's Salted Caramel-Pecan Bars

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil; spray with cooking spray.

2 . Stage

Arrange pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan.

3 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven, stirring halfway through, until pecans are toasted and fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes.

4 . Stage

Arrange graham crackers in a single layer on the prepared jelly roll pan.

5 . Stage

Combine brown sugar, butter, and cream in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Fold in pecans. Pour pecan mixture over graham crackers, spreading to coat.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until topping is bubbling, 10 to 11 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with salt. Transfer coated crackers and aluminum foil to a wire rack to cool, about 30 minutes. Break into bars.