Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 8x8-inch baking pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the maple syrup and blend until everything is smooth and combined.
Gently fold in the chopped pecans and salt, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake batter.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Avoid overbaking as this can cause cracks or a dry texture.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature on a cooling rack. Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
After chilling, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices to cut the cheesecake into squares. Serve on their own or with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.