What are some of the best childhood snacks? Ants on a log! What is better than celery, Peanut Butter, and raisins? It’s a little explosion of textures and flavors that somehow manages to be both healthy-ish and delicious. Is it satisfying? When was your mom packing these in your lunchbox? What is that, but maybe a little *fancier* (if celery and peanut butter can even *be* fancy!). I find it’s kind of like a deconstructed trail mix, only way more fun. What is an Ants on a Log recipe? What are some of the best snack ideas?
What are Ants on a log?
Think of it as the simplest, most delightful snack ever invented. **Ants on a Log recipe** basically involves celery sticks, filled with something creamy and delicious (usually Peanut Butter), and then topped with raisins that look like little ants marching along. It’s essentially a textural masterpiece – the crisp celery, the smooth peanut butter, and the chewy raisins all come together in perfect harmony. The name? Well, the raisins are the “ants” and the celery stick is the “log.” Cute, right? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, and it’s ridiculously easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. My grandma used to call them “Energy Logs”, she thought it helped with brain power which as a kid, I totally belived!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons why you’re obsessed with this **Ants on a Log recipe**?Flavor:What is that perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and subtly sweet? What is the best thing about celery?Simplicity:Is it really that easy to whip up a batch? I’m short on time but need something satisfying. •What isCelery, peanut butter, and raisins are pantry staples. What is a good snack that won’t break the bank?Versatility: You can swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, Cream Cheese, or even a dairy-free alternative. And the “ants” can be anything from chocolate chips to chopped dried cranberries.
What I love most about this is how it brings people together. I’ve made this for playdates, after-school snacks, and even adult gatherings (trust me, everyone secretly loves them!). It’s a simple pleasure that always puts a smile on everyone’s face. Plus, it’s a much healthier option than reaching for processed snacks, and you get a serving of veggies in the process! It’s way easier than making something like energy balls and you can get more creative with it. My kids absolutely adore them, especially when I let them decorate their own logs.
How do I make ants on a log?
Quick Overview
Making an **Ants on a Log recipe** is ridiculously simple. You just wash and cut your celery, spread on your favorite creamy filling, and sprinkle on those “ants.” It’s so easy that you barely need a recipe, but I’m going to give you all my best tips and tricks to make them extra special, extra delicious, and extra appealing, especially for the kiddos. This is a perfect activity to do together as a family!
Ingredients
For the Main Log: ..
• 4-5 stalks of celery: Choose fresh, crisp stalk with a vibrant green color. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. I always peel the outer layer with a vegetable peeler to remove some of the stringiness.
For the Filling:
• 12 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: You can use smooth or chunky, depending on your preference. What are the health benefits of natural peanut butter? What are some good alternatives to almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter? I once experimented with cookie butter and it was an amazing twist!
For the Ants:
• ¼ cup raisins: I prefer using regular raisins, but golden raisins or dried cranberries add a fun twist. Chocolate chips are a healthy option. Is it too late to make them?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Celery
First, wash your celery stalks thoroughly under cold water. Then, cut off the ends and slice the stalks into 3-4 inch pieces. I like to use a vegetable peeler to peel off the tough outer strings of celery, but this is not the best method. Is it optional? Is it safe to chew gum?
Step 2: Fill the Logs
Now take your Peanut Butter (or whatever creamy filling you’re using) and spread it evenly into the bottom of your pan. Serve immediately. I find that using a small spatula or butter knife works best for this. How do you get peanut butter to the ends of celery? This part can get messy, which means the kids will have extra fun!
Step 3: Add the Ants
Is it necessary to sprinkle raisins on top of the peanuts? What are butter-filled celery sticks What are some of the best ants on a log? I always get a kick out of seeing my kids’ faces when they arrange the ants perfectly.
Step 4: Get Creative!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and fillings! What are some good combinations of Cream Cheese and bagel seasoning? What are some good nut-free treats? Is there a limit to what we can do
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
How do you feed an ant on a log? What are some great snack ideas? My kids love to make them for their friends during playdates. What is a healthy snack?
What is the best way to serve it?
Honestly, **Ants on a Log Recipe** are merely scrumptious snacks on their own, they don’t need anything else! What can I do to make it a more substantial meal or snack?
For a light lunch:Pair them with a sandwich or soup. What are some good ways to make a tomato soup?
For an after school snack:Serve with a glass of milk or juice box. Add some whole-grain crackers for extra crunch.
What is a healthy dessert?Serve them with a fruit salad or yogurt parfait. What are some good ways to satisfy a sweet craving without overdoing it?
What is a fun party Platter?What are some kid-friendly snacks to serve on a platter? Is this a hit at any party?
What is your favorite way to enjoy tea with friends? What’s a perfect little pick-me-up?
How do I keep my ants on a log?
What are some of the best tips for making Ants on a Log recipe? From good to amazing.
Celery Prep:Always wash and dry your celery thoroughly. If you have time, soak celery sticks in ice water for about 30 minutes to make them extra crisp.
What is Peanut Butter?What is a good peanut butter? Natural peanut butter can be runny, so stir it well before using. If you’re using nut butter, make sure it has a similar consistency to peanut butter. What is the best way to get best results?
What is the best place Don’t overcrowd your logs with raisins. A few well-placed “ants” are much more appealing than a pile of them. Let the Peanut Butter shine through!
Creative Toppings:What are some of the best toppings to make? What are some good ideas for a snack? Try chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or even drizzle of honey or maple.
Allergy- If you have allergies to consider, use sunflower seed butter or cream cheese instead of Peanut Butter. And use dried cranberries or chocolate chips instead of raisins if needed.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep the celery sticks and spread them with Peanut Butter ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add the “ants.” This is a lifesaver when you’re short on time!
One time, I tried using flavored cream cheese (strawberry, specifically), and while it was interesting, it didn’t quite hit the spot. Stick with the classics, or go for something like honey-flavored peanut butter for a subtle twist.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Since ants on a log are typically served cold, it really boils down to storage tips!
Room Temperature: While you *could* leave these out at room temperature for a short period (like at a party), I really don’t recommend it. The celery will lose its crispness, and the peanut butter might get a little melty. Best to keep them chilled.
Refrigerator Storage: Ants on a Log are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. However, the celery will start to lose its crispness over time, so they’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later. I always make sure to pat the celery dry before storing to help prevent it from getting soggy.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing Ants on a Log. The celery will become very soft and mushy when thawed, and the texture just won’t be the same. Plus, the peanut butter might separate and become oily. Just make a fresh batch – they’re so easy to make anyway!
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze involved, you don’t need to worry about that! Just assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my take on the classic **Ants on a Log recipe**! It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s a snack that everyone can enjoy. I hope you give it a try and get creative with your own variations. It’s seriously the best when you’re craving something sweet and savory without the guilt.
If you’re a fan of easy, kid-friendly snacks, be sure to check out my other recipes like banana sushi or yogurt parfaits. They’re all quick, simple, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Happy snacking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your Ants on a Log turn out. Leave a comment below and let me know what toppings you used!
Ants on a Log Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 stalks Celery Use crisp celery stalks
- 1 cup Peanut butter Creamy or crunchy, your choice!
- 1 cup Raisins Or your favorite dried fruit
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Wash and thoroughly dry the celery stalks.
- Spread a generous amount of peanut butter inside each celery stalk.
- Top with raisins to resemble ants.
