Ants on a Log
Crisp celery sticks filled with creamy peanut butter and dotted with sweet raisins — a playful classic that turns a simple snack into something fun. Ready in 5 minutes with just three ingredients, it's the perfect after-school treat or healthy lunchbox addition.
For 4 servings
- prep
Trim and cut the celery.
1.Wash 4 large celery stalks under cold water and pat dry.2.Trim off the leafy tops and white base ends.3.Cut each stalk crosswise into 3-inch long pieces. - prep
Fill the celery grooves with peanut butter.
1.Spoon a generous strip of peanut butter along the hollow groove of each celery piece.2.Spread evenly with the back of the spoon or a butter knife.3.Smooth the top so raisins will stick easily. - assemble
Dot the raisins on top like ants.
1.Press raisins gently into the peanut butter in a single row down each piece.2.Space them out like tiny marching ants. - serve
Arrange on a plate and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Peel the celery's outer strings with a vegetable peeler for a more tender bite.
- 2Let peanut butter sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so it spreads easily.
- 3Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a tangy twist.
- 4Make ahead: Fill celery with peanut butter only, add raisins just before serving.
- 5For extra crunch, sprinkle a few crushed peanuts or sunflower seeds on top.
- 6Slice celery into shorter 2-inch pieces for smaller hands or lunchboxes.
- 7If using crunchy peanut butter, spread it thicker to keep the chunks from falling off.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use powdered peanut butter mixed with water (per package directions) to reduce fat and calories without losing the classic nutty taste.
jainJain
Replace peanut butter with a smooth hummus made from chana dal (no onions/garlic) and use dried dates instead of raisins to keep it plant-based and Jain-friendly.
veganVegan
Ensure your peanut butter contains no honey or milk solids; use a natural nut butter or seed butter like sunflower seed butter for a fully vegan version.
high proteinHigh-protein
Mix a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder into the peanut butter before spreading for a post-workout snack that still tastes like the original.
nut freeNut-free
Swap peanut butter for a seed butter like sunflower seed or tahini; the raisins add natural sweetness and the flavor profile stays kid-friendly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Peanut butter provides plant-based protein that helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
Healthy Fats from Peanuts
The unsaturated fats in peanut butter support heart health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Naturally Sweetened
Raisins add sweetness without refined sugar, offering fiber and natural antioxidants.
Hydrating Crunch
Celery is high in water content and provides vitamins A and K along with a satisfying, low-calorie crunch.
No Added Sugar
When made with unsweetened peanut butter and natural raisins, this snack contains no added sugars.
Frequently asked questions
Press each raisin firmly into the peanut butter so it's partially embedded; smooth peanut butter holds better than chunky.
