Ants on a Log

Classic Ants on a Log is the perfect healthy after-school snack for all ages. Three kitchen basics, and a few minutes later, you are ready to enjoy this classic snack.

Ants on a Log

Classic Ants on a Log is an after-school snack that kids love. It involves spreading peanut butter on celery sticks and topping it with raisins.

I still remember having this healthy snack after school growing up. The peanut butter and raisins combination is still a favorite, even in my mid-40s. LOL!

I want to understand why this snack is called Ants on a Log. I tried to find the origin but found it is unknown. They may have been a recipe variation shared in a 1959 cookbook.

Some say this recipe started with the Girl Scouts. However, it began with celery, peanut butter, and raisins, a classic combination for a reason.

There are so many epic variations now that continue to evolve this classic snack. Home cooks have taken this classic to a whole new level.

We list a ton of variations farther down this article, but here are a few fun ones:

Ants on a Slip ‘n’ Slide” - an added layer of honey

Fire Ants on a Log - dried cranberries instead of raisins

Ghost Ants on a Log - mini marshmallows

Ants on Vacation - no raisins

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make epic Ants on a Log! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

• Celery Stalks
• Peanut Butter - creamy
• Raisins

Peanut Butter - We use creamy but you can also use crunchy if you prefer it. You can also use almond butter,  Sun butter, cashew butter or other alternative peanut butters.

Raisins or mini chocolate chips - I have made ants on a log with both and it tastes great. Are you on team raisin or mini chocolate chips?

If your raisins are a bit hard or dry you can microwave them for a few seconds or soak the in warm water for a minute.

Equipment Needed

• Plate
• Knife

Optional: We love serving these Ants on a Log on Red Gingham Plates or napkins, which makes it feel like we're having a picnic.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead: This classic snack is make-ahead-friendly! Prep it in the morning, and your afternoon snack is ready when you get home.

Storage: Refrigerate servings in an airtight container and enjoy leftovers within three days.

 

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

We use creamy peanut butter, but you can also use crunchy if you prefer it. You can also use almond butter,  Sun Butter, cashew butter, or other alternative peanut butter. Any nut butter works great. 

I made Ants on a Log with raisins or mini chocolate chips; both taste great. Are you on Team Raisin or Mini Chocolate Chips?

You can change the vegetables and toppings on this classic Ants on a Log snack, a great way to introduce fun new flavor combinations.

Log/Stick Ideas - Carrots, Cucumbers, Bananas, Apples, Peaches, Pears

Filling Ideas: Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Hummus, Guacamole, Bean Dip, Yogurt

Ant/Topping Ideas: Chocolate Chips, Grapes, Seeds, Sweet and Spicy Nuts, Corn, Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, Dried Fruit, Honey, Teddy Grahams, Blueberries, Granola, Pretzel Pieces, Shredded Coconut, Dried Cranberries

You can even make Ants on Vacation and leave the toppings off.

Vegetarian Option: 

This snack is naturally vegetarian!

Vegan Option:

Vegans can make vegan-friendly Ants on a Log using a plant-based peanut butter or peanut butter alternative.

Gluten-Free:

This recipe should be gluten-free, as each ingredient is plant-based. Look for gluten-free labels on your peanut butter and raisins if you are highly sensitive and want to avoid cross-contamination.

Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings:

The written recipe makes eight servings. Adjust the slider in the recipe card below to your desired serving size if you need a different amount.

Sugar-Free:

The written recipe contains 2 grams of sugar per serving. Use sugar-free peanut butter and raisins with no added sugars to make it sugar-free.

 

Tips for the Best Ants on a Log

• The hardest part of making Ants on a Log is getting the creamy peanut butter into the celery sticks without making a huge mess. I like to use a small knife with a tapered end to help keep the peanut butter contained.
• Clean the celery thoroughly and cut off the brown or dried ends. I like to cut the celery into 3-inch pieces so they are easy to handle.
• If your raisins are hard or dry, microwave them for a few seconds or soak them in warm water for a minute.

 

What to Serve with Ants on a Log

We love serving this classic after-school snack with other kid-friendly favorites! Here are some menu planning suggestions.

Sweet: Mini Apple Cookies, Halloween Pinwheel Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies, Salty and Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treats, CrockPot Granola, Crunchy Berry Treats

Savory: Homemade Baked Mozzarella Sticks, Crock Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs, Corn & Black Bean Baked Taquitos, 3 Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, Mummy Hot Dogs

Drinks: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie, Shirley Temple Drink, Brazilian Lemonade, Red Robin Freckled Lemonade, Chick-fil-A Lemonade, Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade, Kool-Aid Slushies

When to Serve

• Snack
• After School 
• One of our favorite school snack ideas

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