Save to Pinterest I was packing school lunches in a rush one morning when I realized I'd run out of crackers. My daughter was staring at me with that impatient look, backpack already on. I grabbed celery from the crisper, smeared peanut butter down the center, and handed it over like I'd planned it all along. She called them "crunchy boats" and asked for them every day that week. Sometimes the best recipes aren't recipes at all, just moments of necessity that turn into tradition.
I started making these for myself during late-night work sessions when I needed something that wouldn't weigh me down. There's something satisfying about the snap of fresh celery followed by the smooth richness of peanut butter. My husband walked in one night, saw me eating them over the sink, and said it looked like kindergarten snack time. He wasn't wrong, but he also grabbed three pieces before heading back to bed.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Choose firm, crisp stalks with bright green color and tight leaves. The fresher they are, the louder the crunch, and that's half the fun.
- Peanut butter: Creamy spreads easiest, but chunky adds texture if you're into that. I keep both in the pantry because moods change.
- Raisins: The classic "ants on a log" topping. My kids used to line them up like they were decorating a tiny parade float.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: A little extra crunch and salt if you want to feel fancy. I started adding these after a friend served them at a book club, and now I can't go back.
Instructions
- Prep the celery:
- Rinse each stalk under cold water and pat it completely dry. Trim the ends and slice into three-inch logs so they're easy to hold and dip.
- Fill with peanut butter:
- Use a butter knife or small spoon to press peanut butter into the groove of each piece. Don't be shy, you want enough to coat your tongue but not so much it squishes out the sides when you bite.
- Add your toppings:
- Press raisins gently into the peanut butter, or scatter chopped peanuts over the top. If you're feeling adventurous, try dried cranberries or a few mini chocolate chips.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Arrange them on a plate or eat them straight from the cutting board. They're best enjoyed immediately while the celery is still cold and crisp.
Save to Pinterest One afternoon my neighbor came over stressed about a school bake sale she'd forgotten. I handed her a platter of these topped with raisins and peanuts, and she looked at me like I'd lost it. Two hours later she texted me a photo of an empty plate and said three parents asked for the recipe. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest things make people happiest, and that's worth more than any complicated dessert.
Swaps and Substitutions
If peanut allergies are a concern, sunflower seed butter works beautifully and has a similar creamy texture. Almond butter is another solid choice if you want a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor. I've even used tahini when I was out of everything else, and it gave the whole snack a savory, sesame twist that surprised me in the best way.
Serving Suggestions
These are perfect for after-school snacks, midnight munchies, or packed lunches that won't get soggy. I've served them at casual get-togethers alongside cheese and crackers, and people always gravitate toward them. They're nostalgic without trying too hard, and that's exactly what makes them easy to love.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep the celery sticks in advance and store them in a container with a damp paper towel to keep them crisp. Fill them with peanut butter no more than a few hours before serving, or they'll lose their snap. If you're packing these for lunch, keep the peanut butter in a small container and assemble them right before eating.
- Store unfilled celery in the fridge for up to three days.
- Filled sticks hold up best when eaten within four hours.
- Keep toppings separate until serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
Save to Pinterest There's a reason this snack has stuck around for generations. It's honest, uncomplicated, and always tastes exactly like you hope it will.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter spreads smoothly, but chunky varieties create added texture if preferred.
- → Can I use substitutes for peanut butter?
Yes, sunflower seed butter or other nut-free spreads make great alternatives for those with allergies.
- → Why add raisins or chopped peanuts on top?
Toppings like raisins or chopped peanuts add sweetness and crunch, enhancing the flavor and texture contrast.
- → How should I prepare the celery for best results?
Wash, dry, and trim the celery. Cut into manageable pieces to hold the filling comfortably.
- → Is this snack suitable for special diets?
This option is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.