Pin it The summer after fourth grade, my best friend Sarah showed me how her mom made snack time feel like an event. We sat at her kitchen table in our bathing suits, still damp from the pool, while she taught me the perfect ratio of peanut butter to celery. Something about that cool crunch cutting through rich, creamy peanut butter just hit different on humid July afternoons. Now whenever I see celery in the fridge, I'm right back there, legs swinging from the counter, learning that the best snacks don't need cooking at all.
Last year I brought these to a potluck when I completely forgot about my contribution until twenty minutes before leaving. People kept asking for the recipe, looking genuinely confused when I told them it was just celery and peanut butter with some raisins thrown on top. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that disappear first from the platter.
Ingredients
- Celery stalks: Pick the ones that feel firm and snap when you bend them, not limp or rubbery
- Creamy peanut butter: Room temperature spreads so much easier than cold straight from the fridge
- Raisins: These aren't just garnish, they add this chewy sweetness that balances everything
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Totally optional but that extra crunch layer makes it feel special
Instructions
- Prep your celery:
- Wash those stalks really well, then pat them completely dry so the peanut butter actually sticks
- Cut to size:
- Trim off the ends and slice each stalk into three inch pieces that feel comfortable to hold
- Fill the groove:
- Use a small spoon or spatula to press peanut butter into the natural curve, mounding it slightly on top
- Add your toppings:
- Scatter raisins or press peanuts into the peanut butter while it's still soft
Pin it My three year old nephew calls these 'boats' and makes engine sounds while eating them across the kitchen table. Watching him discover the combination of textures for the first time reminded me why some classics stick around through generations of eaters.
Make It Your Way
Sunflower seed butter works beautifully if nuts are completely off the table for your household. The flavor's slightly different but that creamy texture still does the job perfectly.
Switch Up The Toppings
Dried cranberries bring this tart brightness that cuts through the rich peanut butter. Mini chocolate chips push these firmly into dessert territory, which I'm not complaining about.
Temperature Matters
Everything about this snack changes when you serve it chilled. The celery becomes extra crisp and that cold contrast against room temperature peanut butter is just something else.
- Try topping with shredded coconut for tropical vibes
- A tiny drizzle of honey never hurt nobody
- Everything tastes better when someone else makes it for you
Pin it Sometimes the most perfect snack is just two ingredients and a knife. No cooking required, just you and something good to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds delightful texture to the celery sticks.
- → What are good toppings to add?
Raisins and chopped roasted peanuts are classic choices, but dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips are tasty alternatives.
- → How do I prepare the celery for filling?
Wash and dry the stalks, trim the ends, cut into pieces, then spread peanut butter in the groove.
- → Is this snack suitable for vegans?
Using peanut butter alone makes it vegetarian; to be vegan, confirm the peanut butter contains no animal products.
- → Can I substitute peanut butter for allergies?
Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture and flavor balance.