Pin it I used to pack these for myself during exam week in college, back when I thought studying required constant snacking. The snap of celery paired with the creamy comfort of peanut butter became my go-to when I needed something that felt both virtuous and indulgent. It's funny how such a simple combination can ground you during chaos. I'd make a whole platter Sunday night and store them in a container, pulling out a few whenever I needed to reset. They never lasted more than two days.
The first time I made these for my niece, she wrinkled her nose at the celery until I told her they were called ants on a log. Suddenly, placing each raisin became a very serious mission. We sat at the kitchen table, carefully dotting peanut butter valleys with tiny fruit, and she ate four sticks without realizing she'd just consumed vegetables. That's the magic of a name and a little creativity.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Look for firm, crisp stalks with bright green color and no soft spots, the fresher the celery, the more satisfying the crunch.
- Creamy peanut butter: I prefer creamy for easy spreading, but chunky works beautifully if you want double the texture, just make sure it's at room temperature so it glides into the groove.
- Raisins: These turn the snack into the nostalgic ants on a log, and their chewy sweetness balances the savory perfectly.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: A sprinkle adds extra crunch and a toasty depth that makes each bite more interesting.
Instructions
- Prep the celery:
- Wash each stalk under cold water and dry thoroughly so the peanut butter doesn't slide off. Trim the leafy tops and the rough base, then slice into 3-inch pieces for easy handling.
- Fill with peanut butter:
- Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to fill the natural groove of each celery piece with a generous layer of peanut butter. Don't be stingy, the contrast between creamy and crunchy is the whole point.
- Add toppings:
- Press raisins gently into the peanut butter in a line to create the classic ants on a log look, or scatter chopped peanuts over the top for a more grown-up version. You can mix and match on the same platter.
- Serve:
- Arrange the filled sticks on a plate and serve right away, or cover and refrigerate for up to a day if you want them extra cold and crisp.
Pin it I remember bringing a platter of these to a potluck once, half expecting them to sit untouched next to the fancy dips and casseroles. Instead, they disappeared first. People kept coming back, saying things like I forgot how good this is or I haven't had this since I was a kid. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that bring people back to a feeling they didn't know they missed.
Flavor Variations
Once you've mastered the classic, try swapping peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a milder, slightly sweet flavor. I've also used sunflower seed butter when cooking for friends with nut allergies, and it works perfectly. For toppings, dried cranberries add tartness, mini chocolate chips make it feel like dessert, and a drizzle of honey turns it into something almost fancy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are best eaten within a few hours of assembly, but you can prep components separately and build them just before serving. Store cut celery in a container with a damp paper towel to keep it crisp, and keep the peanut butter at room temperature for easy spreading. If you do assemble ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for no more than 24 hours, as the celery will start to weep and soften.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these as an after-school snack with apple slices and a handful of pretzels on the side, or pack them in a lunchbox with a small ice pack to keep everything fresh. They're also great on a grazing board alongside cheese, crackers, and fruit for casual gatherings. If you're serving kids, let them build their own and choose their toppings, it turns snack time into an activity.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or a fruit smoothie for a balanced mini-meal.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for a hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Use a variety of nut butters and toppings so everyone can customize their own stick.
Pin it There's something deeply satisfying about a snack that requires no cooking, no cleanup, and delivers exactly what you need in that moment. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you'll always have an answer when someone asks what's to eat.
Common Questions
- → How do I prepare the celery for filling?
Wash, dry, and trim both ends of the celery stalks, then cut into 3-inch pieces for easy handling and filling.
- → What are some topping options to add on top?
Popular toppings include raisins to mimic "ants on a log," or chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- → Can I substitute peanut butter in this snack?
Yes, sunflower seed butter or other nut-free spreads can be used for those with peanut allergies.
- → Is this snack suitable for special diets?
Yes, it fits vegetarian and gluten-free diets, offering a light, wholesome option.
- → Should the celery be served chilled or at room temperature?
Serving chilled enhances crunchiness and freshness, but room temperature is also fine based on preference.