This fun Ants On A Log Recipe is a nostalgic snack made with fresh celery, creamy peanut butter, and sweet raisins. It’s quick, easy, and kid-approved!

I’m not gonna lie. Sometimes I crave the snacks I used to have as a kid way more than any fancy cheese board or trendy smoothie bowl. Sound familiar? There’s something about simple food that hits different—especially when it’s tied to childhood memories.

Back in elementary school, I’d race home (usually with my backpack half unzipped and books falling out), hoping my mom had made Ants On A Log. She always had a knack for making snack time special without trying too hard. And these little guys? They were the best. Crispy celery, creamy peanut butter, and those little raisins all lined up like they had somewhere important to be? Perfection.

Now, decades later, I’m making them for my own kids. And okay, fine… sometimes for myself, too. Some things you just don’t outgrow.

Why You’ll Love This Ants On A Log Recipe?

Okay, hear me out. I know there are 1,001 snack options out there, but this Ants On A Log Recipe has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s ridiculously easy. It’s healthy-ish. And it hits that crunchy-salty-sweet combo like nobody’s business.

Plus, you don’t need fancy ingredients. Just three things you probably already have hanging out in your fridge and pantry. And if you don’t? No judgment—just toss ‘em on your shopping list. Trust me, your future snack-hungry self will thank you.

Ingredient Notes:

You’ve got three stars here, and they each play a big role. Here’s the rundown:

Celery: Look for fresh, crisp stalks. You want that satisfying snap when you bite into them, not something floppy that makes you question your life choices.
Peanut Butter: Creamy is the classic move, but if you’re team crunchy, I get it. Want to mix it up? Almond butter, sunflower seed butter… it all works.
Raisins: The OG topping. But nobody’s stopping you from getting creative. Dried cranberries? Sure. Mini chocolate chips? Absolutely. I won’t tell.

Side note: My youngest once requested mini marshmallows instead of raisins. We called it “snow on a log.” It was weirdly good.

How To Make Ants On A Log?

Alright, this is the part where I could say “just slap some peanut butter on celery and go.” But where’s the fun in that?

Chop your celery. Rinse those stalks and chop them into halves or thirds—whatever works for you. Bonus points if you nibble the ends to “test” them. We’ve all done it.
Spread the peanut butter. Grab a butter knife and load it up. Smooth it into the celery groove like you’re icing a tiny cake. Go heavy or light—no wrong way.
Add your ants. This is where you get to show off your design skills. Classic neat rows, zig-zags, smiley faces… or just toss ‘em on and call it done.

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Snack time! Line them up on a plate if you’re feeling fancy. Or, you know, eat one while making the next. We’re not here to judge.

Storage Options:

These bad boys are best fresh, no doubt. But if you’re a planner, you can totally chop the celery ahead of time and keep it in a zip-top bag in the fridge. Just wait to add the peanut butter and raisins until snack time—otherwise, things get soggy fast. And soggy celery? Nope.

Variations and Substitutions:

Let’s face it—Ants On A Log is just a concept. You can do whatever you want with it. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried (or, let’s be honest, my kids came up with during snack experiments):

Nut-Free: Try sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter if allergies are a thing.
Different “Ants”: Dried cherries, golden raisins, craisins, or even mini M&Ms. We’re playing fast and loose with tradition here.
Savory Swap: Cream cheese + sliced olives. Sounds weird. Tastes awesome. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Sweet Tooth Fix: Peanut butter + a drizzle of honey + granola on top. Think “healthy-ish dessert.”

What to Serve with Ants On A Log?

Want to make a whole snack spread? Do it! Ants On A Log pairs great with:

Cheese cubes
Apple or pear slices
Baby carrots (if you’re already chopping celery, might as well)
Yogurt pouches
Pretzels or crackers
And yes, a cold glass of milk (or coffee if it’s your adult snack break!)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prep these ahead for lunchboxes?
Totally. Just keep the celery and peanut butter separate until the last minute to keep things crunchy.

My kid hates raisins—what’s an alternative?
Oh, we’ve been there. Try chocolate chips, craisins, granola, or even tiny marshmallows.

Is this actually healthy?
It’s a balanced snack in my book. Protein, fiber, a little sweetness—what’s not to love? But hey, if you use M&Ms instead of raisins, I won’t judge.

I know Ants On A Log Recipe sounds old-school. And maybe it is. But it’s one of those simple pleasures that just works. Give it a go, let your kids (or your inner child) get creative, and let me know your favorite combo. Who knew celery could be this fun?

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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