Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins
Ants on a Log
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4
12 pieces
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Ants on a Log
Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins
★4.3(19)
Classic celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisin "ants." The timeless healthy snack that kids have loved for generations.
10m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
10m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Ants on a log is the classic kid snack that sneaks vegetables, protein, and fruit into one fun package. This version includes creative variations beyond the classic to keep snack time exciting.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
This recipe represents the best of American home cooking — unpretentious, generous, and built to satisfy. Ants on a Log is the kind of dish that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. It draws on the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped American food culture, combining familiar flavors with techniques that produce consistently excellent results.
Smart snacking is about balance — enough substance to satisfy, enough flavor to feel like a treat, and enough nutrition to actually fuel your body. This recipe hits all three marks and comes together quickly enough to make from scratch whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 6 celery stalks, cut in half
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
Instructions
- 1
Wash and trim celery stalks. Cut each stalk in half crosswise for manageable snack-size pieces.
- 2
Fill the groove of each celery piece with peanut butter, smoothing it with a butter knife.
- 3
Press raisins into the peanut butter in a line to create the classic "ants" look.
- 4
For variations, try chocolate chips as "ants," drizzle honey, or sprinkle sunflower seeds.
- 5
Arrange on a plate and serve immediately, or pack in lunchboxes with the celery and toppings separated.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Peanut butterSunButter or cream cheese
Both are nut-free alternatives that kids love
RaisinsDried cranberries or chocolate chips
Both add sweetness with different flavors
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Let kids customize their own logs with a variety of toppings for a fun, interactive snack.
If celery is too stringy for little ones, peel the outer strings with a vegetable peeler.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store assembled in the fridge up to 1 day. Keep components separate for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. The amounts given are a starting point, and the best snacks are the ones customized to exactly how you like them.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories180
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat14g
Fiber120mg
Sugar2g
Sodium8g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my child has a nut allergy?
- Use SunButter, cream cheese, or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter.
- What else can I use instead of celery?
- Apple slices, banana halves, or bell pepper strips all work.
- How long does this keep?
- Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, most homemade snacks stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. Refrigerated versions keep for up to 10 days.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Absolutely. The seasoning amounts are starting points — taste and adjust to your preference. Start with less if you are sensitive to salt or spice, and add more gradually.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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