Save My neighbor Sarah showed me this trick on a Tuesday afternoon when I was running behind on snack prep for my kids' afterschool pickup. She'd lined up a row of celery sticks on her counter, each one filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins, and called them "ants on a log." The kids were instantly mesmerized—not just by the name, but by how satisfying it felt to bite through the cold crunch into that creamy middle. It became our go-to when we needed something real fast that didn't feel like we were phoning it in.
There's something about standing in the kitchen while your hands are occupied with spreading that makes conversation flow differently. My daughter helped me fill these once, and she spent the whole time telling me about a friend drama situation I'd normally have to pry out of her. By the time we'd finished the last stick, she'd solved half of it just by talking out loud.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Fresh, firm ones snap cleanly when you bite them—avoid any that feel bendy or look slightly wilted at the edges, because those won't have the same satisfying crunch.
- Peanut butter: Creamy spreads easier, but chunky adds another texture dimension if you're into that sort of thing; either way, the good stuff matters because you can taste every ingredient here.
- Raisins: These are optional but fun, especially if you're leaning into the kids' snack angle and want to build that little story about ants marching up the stalk.
- Roasted peanuts: If you go this route instead, chop them small enough that they don't slide off, and toasted ones give better flavor than raw.
Instructions
- Prep the celery:
- Run each stalk under cool water and pat it dry completely—any leftover moisture will make the peanut butter slide around and not stick properly. Trim the ends, then cut each stalk into pieces about three inches long, which is the perfect size for holding in one hand and eating in a few bites.
- Fill the grooves:
- Use a small spoon or spatula and press the peanut butter down into that natural channel that runs along the celery. Work gently so you don't accidentally snap the stalk, and fill it generously—nobody's coming back for a thinly spread version of this.
- Add your toppings:
- If you're using raisins, press them gently into the peanut butter so they stick; if you prefer the peanut crunch, just sprinkle them on top. Both look good, both taste good, so honestly just go with what sounds right to you.
- Serve right away:
- These are best eaten fresh and cold, so get them to the table while the celery is still crisp and the peanut butter hasn't warmed up and gotten soft.
Save I made these for a book club one night when we were all supposed to bring snacks, and I remember being surprised when one of the members, who is always going on about complicated recipes and farm-to-table sourcing, came back twice for more. Sometimes the simplest things hit different when everyone's hungry and happy.
Why This Works as a Snack
There's no cooking involved, which already makes this a win for moments when your brain is tired or your kitchen is a mess. You get protein from the peanut butter, fiber from the celery, and the combination of textures keeps your mouth interested long enough that you feel satisfied even with a small portion. It's one of those rare snacks that doesn't apologize for being easy.
Variations That Keep It Fresh
Once you've made the basic version a few times, it's fun to play around with different toppings depending on what you have around. I've done dried cranberries when I was out of raisins, mini chocolate chips mixed with the peanut butter for a slightly sweet angle, and even a sprinkle of cinnamon for something more autumnal. Sunflower seed butter works great if anyone has a peanut allergy, and the taste is close enough that nobody feels like they're eating a consolation prize.
Making It Prettier for Company
If you're setting these out for actual guests instead of just family, arrange them on a cutting board or platter so the peanut butter side faces up—it looks more intentional than a pile of sticks. You can even line them up in neat rows or stand them upright in a cup for a different presentation.
- Topping consistency matters for looks, so if you're using raisins, space them evenly for that deliberate "ants" effect.
- A small bowl of extra toppings nearby gives people the option to customize their own, which always makes snack situations feel more interactive.
- Serve these cold but not straight from the fridge—give them five minutes on the counter so the celery doesn't feel like you're eating ice.
Save This is the kind of snack that sticks with you not because it's fancy, but because it's reliable and honest. It's something you can make without thinking, but it tastes intentional enough that people always appreciate it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I prepare the celery before filling?
Wash and dry celery stalks thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut into 3-inch pieces for easy handling and serving.
- → Can I use different types of peanut butter?
Yes, creamy or chunky peanut butter works well. Choose based on your texture preference.
- → What are good topping options to add flavor?
Raisins and chopped roasted peanuts add sweetness and crunch. You can also try dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.
- → Is there a nut-free alternative for the spread?
Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free substitute that maintains a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- → How can I enhance the crunchiness of the snack?
Serving the filled celery sticks chilled increases crunch, making the snack even more refreshing.