If you’re looking for a nostalgic yet nutritious snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe. It’s a classic childhood treat that I’ve come back to time and time again, and honestly, it never fails to bring a smile — both for the simple, wholesome ingredients and the playful twist of raisins standing in for ants. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, need a quick bite, or want something to entertain kids in the kitchen, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: You only need three ingredients and a handful of minutes to whip this up.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The “ants on a log” look is a playful way to get little ones interested in snacking on healthy veggies.
- Nutrient Packed: Between the crunch of celery, protein from peanut butter, and natural sweetness from raisins, it’s a wholesome combo.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or easy party platters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I always keep this snack in my back pocket is because the ingredients are not only pantry staples but also complement each other so well texturally — crisp celery, creamy peanut butter, and chewy raisins. Sourcing fresh celery and a good quality peanut butter really elevates this simple recipe.
- Celery: Look for firm, crisp stalks with bright green color for the best crunch.
- Peanut Butter: Choose creamy or crunchy based on your texture preference; natural peanut butter works great but gives a thinner spread.
- Raisins: I prefer plump, slightly soft raisins—they stick nicely to the peanut butter “log” and taste amazing.
Variations
I love how easy it is to switch things up with this Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe — it’s a great canvas for your creativity or to fit dietary needs.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for peanut butter; my niece has a peanut allergy, and this swap works just as well.
- Sweet Twist: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates—this adds a different kind of tartness or sweetness that’s delightful.
- Added Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top for an extra textural punch that my family can’t get enough of.
- Chocolate Lovers: I once spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread under the peanut butter for a decadent treat—definitely for special occasions!
How to Make Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Celery Sticks
First things first, wash those celery stalks thoroughly and pat them dry. I usually slice each stalk in half lengthwise to create perfect-sized “logs” that comfortably fit in little hands. If you want, you can cut the halves into smaller bite-sized pieces to make serving easier — especially great for kids.
Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter
Use a butter knife or small spatula to spread peanut butter evenly into the natural groove of each celery stick. I find that using room-temperature peanut butter makes spreading smoother and prevents celery from cracking. Don’t be shy with the peanut butter; this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Add the Raisins “Ants”
Now for the fun part — place raisins on top, lining them up in a neat row to mimic “ants on a log.” You’ll find that pressing them gently into the peanut butter helps them stick without falling off. This is usually when I see faces light up around the kitchen because it looks just like the name suggests.
Pro Tips for Making Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe
- Choose Fresh Celery: Crisp, fresh celery makes all the difference—avoid limp stalks to keep your snack crunchy.
- Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Wrangling cold peanut butter can be frustrating; letting it soften means easier spreading and less celery breakage.
- Secure Raisins Properly: Press raisins lightly into the peanut butter groove to help them stick well, preventing messes especially if serving on the go.
- Prep Ahead Tip: Assemble closer to serving time — if left too long, celery can lose crispness and raisins might start drying out.
How to Serve Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe
Garnishes
I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey over the peanut butter before adding raisins—it’s a lovely way to amplify sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors. For an even funkier twist, chopped fresh mint leaves or a dash of sea salt can make every bite pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a cool glass of milk or your favorite fruit smoothie, and you’ve got yourself a balanced mini-meal. For a more substantial snack spread, I love adding carrot sticks and apple slices alongside these “logs” — it rounds out the snack nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a kids’ party or a fun snack platter, arrange the assembled ants on a log on a bright, colorful plate or a wooden board. You could even line them up on a long tray with a few toy ants scattered nearby for a whimsical presentation that sparks conversation and giggles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but honestly, celery tends to lose some of its crispness within a day or two. For best texture, I recommend eating this snack the same day you make it.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t really ideal for this recipe since celery’s texture doesn’t hold up well when thawed. If you want to prep in advance, feel free to cut the celery and keep it refrigerated separately, but I’d suggest adding peanut butter and raisins fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook snack, reheating isn’t necessary. Just assemble fresh each time to keep celery crispy and raisins chewy. I’ve found that even a fridge-cold version tastes great, so no warming needed.
FAQs
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Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even soy nut butter all work well. Just pick whichever you prefer or need for dietary reasons; the creamy texture combined with celery’s crunch and sweet raisins is what makes this snack special.
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How long can I store ants on a log before it loses freshness?
I recommend eating them the same day for optimal crispness and flavor, but if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to 24 hours. After that, celery starts to get limp, and raisins may harden.
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Is this snack suitable for toddlers?
Yes, but always supervise toddlers with raisins since they can be a choking hazard. You might want to chop celery into smaller pieces and make sure raisins are sufficiently soft.
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Can I make this vegan?
Definitely! As long as you choose a dairy-free peanut or nut butter and ensure raisins are unsweetened and vegan-friendly, this snack fits vegan diets perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this classic Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe takes me back to my childhood while still being a practical, wholesome snack for today. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a cozy hug—simple, comforting, and delightful every time. Give it a try, play around with variations, and watch how this little snack becomes a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine.
Print
Ants On A Log (Easy Celery Snack with Peanut Butter and Raisins) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ants on a Log is a classic, nutritious snack made by filling celery sticks with creamy peanut butter and topping them with sweet raisins, resembling ants walking on a log. This easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy treat loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 5 stalks celery
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Prepare Celery: Wash the celery sticks thoroughly under running water and dry them. Slice each stalk in half to create manageable snack-sized pieces.
- Apply Peanut Butter: Spread the peanut butter evenly into the grooves of each celery half, filling the channel to mimic the ‘log’ base.
- Add Raisins: Place the raisins on top of the peanut butter in a row, representing ‘ants’ on the log. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ants on a log is a nostalgic childhood favorite that combines crunchy celery, creamy peanut butter, and sweet raisins for a balanced snack.
- This snack is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for lunchboxes or afternoon snacks.
- For variation, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or cream cheese and use other dried fruits or nuts as toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 half celery stalk with peanut butter and raisins
- Calories: 91
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
