Save My daughter came home from school asking for celery sticks with peanut butter, and I realized this simple snack had somehow become her favorite afternoon ritual. What started as a way to get her to eat vegetables turned into something we both looked forward to—she'd arrange them on a plate like little edible logs while I'd hum along to whatever song was stuck in my head that week. It's the kind of thing you don't think twice about until you're watching someone's eyes light up at the crunch of the first bite, the smooth peanut butter giving way to that satisfying snap of fresh celery.
I brought these to a potluck once, half-joking about how simple they were, and three people asked for the recipe—which made me laugh because there barely is one. That's the magic of it, really: something so straightforward that it catches people off guard with how satisfying it is.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: You want the thick, crisp ones from the inner part of the bunch—they hold the peanut butter better and snap with that perfect sound when you bite down.
- Creamy peanut butter: The smooth kind spreads easier, but honestly, chunky works too if that's what you love; it adds texture that some people prefer.
- Raisins: Optional but they add a little sweetness and fun—kids especially love calling them ants on a log, which makes the whole thing more playful.
- Roasted peanuts: A sprinkle of these adds crunch and takes the flavor deeper if you want something a bit more sophisticated than the basic version.
Instructions
- Prep your celery:
- Rinse each stalk under cool water and pat them dry with a clean cloth—this matters because wet celery won't hold the peanut butter as well. Trim off the ends where they're a bit beat up, then cut each stalk into 3-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
- Fill with peanut butter:
- Lay a piece of celery flat-side up and use a spoon or small spatula to smooth peanut butter along the groove, filling it generously but not overstuffing. Work your way through the pile, and don't worry if some pieces get more than others—there's no such thing as too much peanut butter here.
- Add your toppings:
- If you're using raisins, press them gently into the peanut butter so they stay put, or sprinkle the chopped peanuts across the top for crunch. You can also skip the toppings entirely if you want to taste just the pure combination of celery and peanut butter.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Arrange everything on a plate or platter and eat right away, or cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours if you like them extra cold and crisp.
Save There's something oddly comforting about making this for someone—it feels like you're taking care of them in the simplest, most honest way.
Why This Snack Actually Works
Celery and peanut butter are one of those combinations where everything just clicks: the protein in the peanut butter keeps you satisfied, the fiber in the celery is genuinely good for you, and neither one is complicated or weird. You're not trying to be fancy; you're just making something that tastes good and actually fills a hunger gap between meals. It's the kind of snack that works at three in the afternoon when you're in a slump, or at midnight when you're too tired to cook but still hungry.
Ways to Make It Your Own
Once you've made this a few times, you'll start experimenting without even realizing it—a drizzle of honey over the top, a sprinkle of cinnamon mixed into the peanut butter, or swapping the raisins for dried cranberries or chocolate chips. The base is so solid that you can play with it endlessly, and every variation still feels right. Some people go savory with a pinch of salt; others make it dessert-like with coconut or a tiny bit of cocoa powder mixed into the peanut butter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are best eaten fresh, but you can absolutely prep them ahead and keep them in the refrigerator for a day or two covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The cold actually makes the celery even crunchier, and the peanut butter firms up just enough to create a nice texture contrast. If you're packing these for lunch or a snack to take somewhere, keep them separate from other foods so the celery doesn't absorb any moisture.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- Chill your celery in ice water for 15 minutes before filling if you want maximum crunch.
- Make a big batch of filled pieces on Sunday and portion them out throughout the week for grab-and-go snacking.
Save There's real joy in how something this small can become a moment worth having—a little ritual of crunch and comfort that doesn't ask for much but gives back plenty.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of peanut butter works best?
Both creamy and chunky peanut butter provide great flavor; choose based on your preferred texture.
- → Can I use alternatives to peanut butter?
Yes, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free substitute and maintains a similar creamy texture.
- → How should I prepare the celery?
Wash and dry celery stalks well, trim the ends, and cut into 3-inch pieces for easy filling and serving.
- → What toppings can enhance this snack?
Raisins and chopped roasted peanuts add sweetness and crunch, while dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips offer tasty variations.
- → Is this snack suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and nutritious choice.