Pin It I was standing in the kitchen at midnight during college finals week, staring into the open refrigerator, when I remembered what my grandmother used to make us after school. The crunch of celery, the creaminess of peanut butter—it felt like comfort in a bite. I made a whole plate and ate them while studying, the simple ritual grounding me during that chaotic week. Now whenever life feels overwhelming, I find myself back at the cutting board, knife in hand.
My niece was helping me in the kitchen last summer, perched on a stool with her legs swinging, watching me prepare these for a picnic. She asked why we were putting peanut butter in celery, wrinkling her nose. I told her to trust me, and after one skeptical bite, her eyes went wide. She proceeded to eat three more and requested them for every single gathering that season. Sometimes the simplest foods win the most converts.
Ingredients
- 4 large celery stalks: Look for tight, bright green bunches without any floppy or yellowing stalks
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Room temperature spreads much more smoothly than cold straight from the fridge
- 2 tablespoons raisins: These transform the snack into ants on a log if you are feeling nostalgic
- 1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts: Optional but adds this incredible extra crunch layer
Instructions
- Prep the celery:
- Rinse the stalks thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels because water will make the peanut butter slide right off. Trim about half an inch from both ends and cut each stalk into nice three inch pieces that feel comfortable to hold.
- Fill the groove:
- Use the back of a small spoon to press peanut butter into the natural curve of each celery piece. Do not overfill or it will squish out when you take a bite.
- Add the fun:
- Press raisins gently into the peanut butter or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for texture variation. They stay put better if you add them right before serving.
- Arrange and serve:
- Line them up on a simple platter or cutting board and serve immediately while the celery is still crisp and cold from the refrigerator.
Pin It These became my go to contribution to potlucks because they are vegetarian and gluten free without anyone needing special accommodations. I brought them to a neighborhood gathering last fall, and a woman who had just been diagnosed with celiac disease actually teared up that she could eat something so effortlessly included. Food is not just nourishment sometimes it is belonging.
Making It Your Own
Sunflower seed butter works beautifully as a nut free alternative and actually has this mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with celery. I have also experimented with almond butter for a more sophisticated flavor profile and cashew butter for something incredibly creamy. The base formula of crunchy plus creamy plus filling remains the same regardless of what nut or seed butter you choose.
Serving Suggestions
Chill everything for thirty minutes before serving to maximize that satisfying snap. These work beautifully alongside other finger foods at parties or as part of a simple after school snack spread. I have also served them as a surprisingly popular appetizer with wine, the salt and sweetness cutting through rich reds beautifully.
Storage And Timing
You can prep the celery pieces up to a day in advance and store them wrapped in damp paper towels inside a sealed container in the refrigerator. However I recommend filling them with peanut butter no more than two hours before serving because the celery will eventually start to soften and weep water into the spread.
- Bring everything to room temperature for ten minutes before serving
- Make double the amount you think you need because people will keep grabbing them
- Keep the peanut butter at room temperature if you make these regularly
Pin It Sometimes the most unassuming recipes become the ones we reach for most often. These peanut butter celery sticks have saved me countless times when I needed something quick but still felt like I put in genuine effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy or chunky peanut butter both provide great texture; choose based on your preference.
- → Can I add other toppings besides raisins and peanuts?
Yes, try dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for varied flavors and textures.
- → How should I prepare the celery?
Trim ends, wash thoroughly, dry, and cut into manageable stick sizes to hold the spread.
- → Is there a nut-free alternative?
Sunflower seed butter can be used instead of peanut butter for those with nut allergies.
- → How can I keep the snack fresh and crunchy?
Serve chilled and prepare just before eating to maintain celery’s crisp texture.