Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Celery with Peanut Butter and Raisins

• It’s the ultimate quick fix. We’re talking about five minutes from fridge to plate, honestly. There’s no cooking, no baking, and minimal cleanup, which makes it perfect for those moments when hunger strikes and you need something satisfying immediately.
• The texture symphony is unreal. You’ll notice the crisp, watery snap of the celery gives way to the smooth, thick peanut butter, and then you hit those delightfully chewy little raisins. It’s a party in your mouth that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
• It’s incredibly versatile. Think of this as your blank canvas. Feel like a bit of crunch? Add some chopped nuts. Want a hint of salt? A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is divine. It’s a recipe that welcomes your personal touch.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. From toddlers to grandparents, this is a snack that rarely gets a complaint. It’s a fantastic, healthy-ish option for playdates, picnics, or just keeping in the fridge for a reliable grab-and-go bite.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1 large bunch of celery, fresh and crisp
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, but highly recommended)

Tools: A sharp knife, a cutting board, a small bowl for mixing (optional), a butter knife or small spatula for spreading.

The beauty here is in the quality of your core ingredients. Really fresh, snappy celery makes all the difference—it should break with a clean, audible crack. For the peanut butter, I prefer a creamy, natural style without added sugars or oils for the best texture and flavor, but use what you love. And those raisins… plump, moist ones are key. If yours seem a little dry, you can plump them up in warm water for a few minutes before using.

Serves: 4 (as a snack) | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Celery Selection is Key. Look for a bunch that feels heavy for its size with tight, compact stalks. The leaves should be vibrant green, not wilted or yellow. The inner, paler stalks are often more tender and less stringy, which is perfect for this.
• To Wash or Not to Wash? You should always wash your celery! Dirt loves to hide in the crevices. Give it a good rinse under cold water and pat it completely dry with a kitchen towel. A dry celery boat means the peanut butter will stick beautifully.
• Peanut Butter Consistency Matters. If you’re using natural peanut butter that tends to separate, give it a really good stir before you measure it out. You want it smooth and spreadable, not oily or clumpy. If it’s too stiff, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can help loosen it up.
• Get Creative with Mix-ins. While raisins are the classic, don’t be afraid to play around. Think chopped dried cranberries for a tart twist, mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra nutrition.

How to Make Stuffed Celery with Peanut Butter and Raisins

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• A crisp apple and cheese plate — The sharpness of cheddar or the creaminess of brie provides a lovely savory contrast to the sweet and salty celery sticks, making a more substantial snack spread.
• A simple carrot and cucumber stick platter — with a light ranch or hummus dip. This turns your stuffed celery into part of a vibrant, crunchy crudité assortment that’s perfect for sharing.
• Alongside a bowl of tomato soup — It sounds retro, but the combination is incredibly comforting. The cool, crunchy celery offers a wonderful textural counterpoint to the warm, smooth soup.

Drinks

• A tall glass of cold milk — It’s the classic pairing for a reason. The creaminess of the milk complements the peanut butter perfectly and cools the palate.
• Iced green tea with lemon — The light, slightly bitter notes of the green tea cut through the richness of the peanut butter beautifully, making the snack feel even more refreshing.
• A simple sparkling water — with a squeeze of lime. The bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites, ensuring each one tastes as bright and delicious as the first.

Something Sweet

• A few dark chocolate squares — A piece of high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) after your celery snack feels like a sophisticated, grown-up finish to this childhood treat.
• A small bowl of fresh berries — like strawberries or blueberries. Their natural sweetness and juiciness are a light and healthy way to end your snack time.
• A single scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — Honestly, it’s a bit decadent, but the combination of peanut butter and vanilla is a match made in heaven.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using wilted or bendy celery. The structural integrity of the celery is everything here. If it’s limp, it won’t provide that satisfying crunch, and it might even snap under the pressure of spreading the peanut butter. Always go for the crispiest bunch you can find.
• Mistake: Not drying the celery thoroughly. Any residual water in the celery groove will prevent the peanut butter from sticking properly, causing it to slide right off. A quick pat-down with a paper towel makes all the difference.
• Mistake: Spreading the peanut butter too thin. You want a generous layer! A meager scraping means you’ll mostly just taste celery, and the raisins won’t have enough “glue” to hold on. Be bold with that peanut butter.
• Mistake: Adding the raisins too gently. If you just place them on top without a little press, the first bite might send them tumbling. A firm but gentle press ensures they become part of the snack, not a separate component.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make a “fancy” batch for guests. Try drizzling the finished sticks with a tiny bit of honey and a sprinkle of crushed, salted peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture that looks incredibly impressive for almost zero extra effort.
• Tip: Prep a week’s worth for easy lunches. You can absolutely make these ahead! Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack.
• Tip: Turn it into a fun, interactive activity. If you have kids, set up a “celery bar” with bowls of different toppings (raisins, chocolate chips, sunflower seeds) and let them assemble their own creations. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
• Tip: For a smoother experience, chop the raisins. If you’re serving this to very young children or anyone who might prefer a more uniform texture, you can finely chop the raisins and mix them right into the peanut butter before spreading.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter is a fantastic way to add another dimension of texture. You’ll get little bursts of peanut crunch throughout, which many people love. If you do this, you might even want to scale back on the raisins slightly, or just embrace the extra crunch-fest. It’s entirely up to your personal preference—the recipe is very forgiving.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
The best method is to arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper if you need to stack them. Pop them in the fridge, and they should keep well for 3 to 4 days. The celery may soften just a tiny bit over time, but they’ll still be delicious. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the celery will become mushy when it thaws.

My peanut butter is really hard to spread. What can I do?
This is a common issue, especially with natural peanut butter stored in the fridge. The easiest fix is to let the jar sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before you start. If you’re in a hurry, scoop the amount you need into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for just 10-15 seconds on high. Stir it well—a little warmth makes it wonderfully spreadable. Be careful not to overheat it into a liquid!

Are there any good peanut butter alternatives for allergies?
Yes, definitely! Sunflower seed butter (often sold as SunButter) is the closest in terms of texture and flavor and is typically nut-free. Almond butter or cashew butter work beautifully if tree nuts aren’t an issue. You could even use a thick, Greek yogurt-style cream cheese for a totally different, but equally tasty, savory twist.

Can I add other ingredients to the peanut butter?
Please do! This is where you can get creative. A teaspoon of honey or maple syrup mixed into the peanut butter will make it sweeter. A dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice can add a warm, cozy flavor. For a savory version, try mixing in a little everything bagel seasoning or some finely chopped scallions. Think of the basic peanut butter and celery as your playground.