Caramel corn is a snack made by coating popped corn kernels with a sweet caramel glaze, then baking or drying the coated popcorn so the caramel hardens into a crisp shell around each kernel. It traces back to the late 19th century United States, where it was popularized as a carnival and county-fair treat.
The caramel sauce is typically made from sugar, butter, and corn syrup, sometimes with vanilla extract. Caramel corn remains a fixture at fairs and movie theaters, and is commercially packaged with add-ins like nuts or chocolate drizzle. It is distinct from kettle corn, which is popped with sugar and salt directly rather than coated afterward in a separate caramel glaze.