In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to a plate and let cool.
While bacon is cooking, pour maple syrup into a small saucepot with the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean and warm through.
In a large bowl, mix together the pancake mix, milk, egg, cayenne pepper or chili powder and reserved bacon. Heat a nonstick griddle or saut pan over medium heat and cook pancakes to your desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side.