Save I used to pack these for my nephew's lunch box, and he'd always ask for extra. There's something about the snap of cold celery against smooth peanut butter that just works. It's the kind of snack I'd make standing at the counter after school, half-distracted, half-starving. Simple, satisfying, and gone in minutes. No cooking, no cleanup—just pure crunch.
I remember making a platter of these for a kids' birthday party once, calling them ants on a log like my mom used to. The kids demolished them faster than the cupcakes. One little girl asked if she could take some home, and I realized I'd been underestimating celery sticks my whole life. They're not just filler, they're the main event when you treat them right.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Go for the inner stalks if you want them sweeter and less fibrous, the outer ones have more bite and hold up better under thick peanut butter.
- Creamy peanut butter: I prefer creamy for spreading ease, but chunky adds texture if you're into that, just make sure it's fresh because old peanut butter tastes flat.
- Raisins: They stick right into the peanut butter and give you little bursts of sweetness, though I've swapped them for dried cranberries when I'm feeling fancy.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: A sprinkle on top adds crunch on crunch, and it makes the whole thing look a little more intentional on a plate.
Instructions
- Prep the celery:
- Wash the stalks under cold water and dry them completely so the peanut butter doesn't slide off. Trim the ends and cut each stalk into three-inch pieces, they're easier to hold and look cleaner on a plate.
- Fill with peanut butter:
- Use a spoon or small spatula to press the peanut butter into the groove of each piece, don't be shy with it. The peanut butter should sit in a neat ribbon along the center, not overflowing but generous enough to taste in every bite.
- Add toppings:
- Press raisins gently into the peanut butter in a line, or scatter chopped peanuts across the top for extra crunch. You can skip this step entirely if you want to keep it classic and simple.
- Serve:
- Arrange the filled celery sticks on a platter and serve right away. They're best fresh, before the celery starts to weep or the peanut butter warms up.
Save There was an afternoon when I made these for myself after a long shift, no toppings, no fuss. I sat on the porch with a plate and ate every stick slowly, listening to the crunch echo in my head. It was the kind of quiet moment that reminded me food doesn't have to be complicated to feel like a treat. Sometimes celery and peanut butter is all you need.
Variations to Try
I've swapped peanut butter for almond butter when I wanted something a little earthier, and sunflower seed butter when a friend with allergies came over. You can press mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter for a sweet surprise, or sprinkle shredded coconut if you're feeling tropical. One time I drizzled honey over the top and it turned into dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These work as an after-school snack, a party appetizer, or a late-night fridge raid. I've packed them in lunchboxes with a cold pack, served them alongside apple slices at picnics, and eaten them straight off the cutting board while dinner cooks. They're the kind of snack that fits anywhere because they don't demand much attention but always deliver.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're making these ahead, keep the filled celery covered in the fridge for up to four hours before serving. Any longer and the celery starts to lose its snap. Don't add wet toppings like fruit until the last minute, or everything gets slippery and sad.
- Store leftover filled sticks in an airtight container with a damp paper towel tucked inside to keep the celery crisp.
- If the peanut butter hardens in the fridge, let the sticks sit at room temperature for five minutes before eating.
- Prep celery pieces in advance and store them in ice water, then drain and dry right before filling.
Save This snack never gets old because it doesn't try to be anything it's not. Keep the ingredients around and you'll always have something good to reach for.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best type of peanut butter to use?
Creamy or chunky peanut butter both work well, depending on your preferred texture. Creamy provides smoothness while chunky adds extra crunch.
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter for allergies?
Yes, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative with a similar creamy consistency and rich flavor.
- → What toppings complement the celery and peanut butter?
Raisins, chopped roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut are excellent options to add flavor and texture.
- → How should I prepare the celery sticks?
Wash, dry, trim the ends, and cut each celery stalk into 3-inch pieces to create perfect portions for filling.
- → Is this snack suitable for special diets?
Yes, it fits vegetarian and gluten-free diets, making it accessible for various dietary preferences.