Pin it I was standing in front of the open fridge after a long afternoon, too hungry to wait for dinner but too tired to actually cook anything. That's when I spotted the celery I'd bought for soup and the jar of peanut butter shoved in the back. It hit me like a flashback to elementary school lunch tables. Five minutes later, I was sitting at the counter with a plate of these, feeling oddly proud of myself for rediscovering something so simple and so satisfying.
I made these for my niece one Saturday morning when she refused breakfast, and she ate four pieces without realizing she was eating something healthy. She called them crunchy boats and asked if we could make them every time she visited. Now I keep celery stocked just in case she shows up unannounced, because it's become our little tradition, and honestly, I look forward to it as much as she does.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Choose firm, crisp stalks with tight leaves, the fresher they are, the louder the crunch, which is half the fun of eating these.
- Creamy peanut butter: This is where the richness comes from, I prefer creamy for smooth spreading, but chunky adds a nice texture if you're into that.
- Raisins: They turn this into ants on a log, a nostalgic touch that makes kids smile and adds a little natural sweetness.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: A grown up upgrade that brings extra crunch and a toasty flavor that makes the whole thing feel a little more intentional.
Instructions
- Prep the celery:
- Rinse the stalks under cold water and pat them completely dry so the peanut butter sticks instead of sliding off. Trim the ends and slice each stalk into three inch pieces, keeping the cuts clean so they sit flat on the plate.
- Fill with peanut butter:
- Use the back of a spoon or a small spreader to press peanut butter into the groove of each piece, smoothing it out so it reaches both edges. Don't be shy with it, a generous swipe makes all the difference.
- Add toppings:
- Press raisins gently into the peanut butter in a line, or scatter chopped peanuts over the top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. You can skip this step entirely if you want to keep it simple.
- Serve:
- Arrange the filled celery on a plate and serve right away while everything is fresh and cold. If you're making them ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to an hour.
Pin it One evening I made a platter of these for a casual get together, half expecting people to ignore them in favor of the chips and dip. Instead, they disappeared first, and someone asked if I'd brought a secret ingredient because they tasted better than they remembered. I hadn't done anything special, but that moment reminded me that the best snacks are the ones that feel effortless and familiar, the ones that don't try too hard.
Choosing the Right Celery
Look for stalks that snap cleanly when you bend them, with no rubbery give or brown spots along the edges. The leaves should be perky and bright green, not wilted or yellowing. I've found that organic celery tends to have a stronger, more peppery flavor, which actually balances the sweetness of the peanut butter better than the milder conventional kind.
Switching Up the Spread
Almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter all work beautifully if you want to change things up or need a peanut free option. I once used tahini on a whim and it gave the whole snack a savory, almost Mediterranean vibe that I didn't expect to love but absolutely did. Each spread brings its own personality, so it's worth experimenting based on what you have or what sounds good in the moment.
Creative Topping Ideas
Beyond raisins and peanuts, I've tried dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, even a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra sweetness. My favorite unexpected combo is a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few dark chocolate shavings, which turns it into something that feels almost indulgent. The celery is just a vehicle, so don't be afraid to treat it like a tiny edible canvas.
- Chill the filled celery for twenty minutes before serving if you want an extra crisp, refreshing bite.
- Cut the pieces shorter for kids or anyone who prefers a more manageable size.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, though they rarely last that long.
Pin it This snack never tries to be more than it is, and that's exactly why it works every single time. Keep the ingredients around and you'll always have something good to reach for when you need it most.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the celery sticks?
Wash and dry celery stalks, trim the ends, and cut into 3-inch pieces before filling with peanut butter.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, try raisins, chopped roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for variety.
- → What is a good alternative to peanut butter?
Substitute sunflower seed butter to create a nut-free version while maintaining creamy texture.
- → Is this snack suitable for special diets?
It fits vegetarian and gluten-free diets but contains peanuts and celery allergens.
- → How should I serve the celery sticks?
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately or chilled to enhance crunchiness.