You know those snacks that make you smile before you even take a bite? That’s Ants on a Log for you—crunchy celery, creamy filling, and little bursts of sweetness that’ll have kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) reaching for seconds. I’ve been making this classic snack since my babysitting days, and it never gets old. The best part? It’s ready in minutes with just three ingredients you probably have right now. Whether you need a quick after-school treat, a party appetizer that disappears fast, or just a nostalgic bite of your own childhood, these little celery boats loaded with cream cheese and raisins deliver every time.
Why You’ll Love This Ants on a Log Recipe
Trust me, this isn’t just another snack—it’s the ultimate kitchen hack for busy days. Here’s why it’s my go-to:
- No cooking required—literally ready in 10 minutes flat
- Healthier than chips but still feels like a treat
- Kids go crazy for the silly “ants” crawling on their food
- Endless variations (peanut butter? chocolate chips? Go wild!)
- Secret veggie boost hiding in plain sight
I’ve lost count of how many playdates this recipe has saved—it’s that good.
Ingredients for Ants on a Log
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this snack—just three main players (plus a little love):
- 4 stalks celery – Look for crisp, bright green ones with deep grooves (that’s where the magic happens!)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese – Softened to room temp unless you enjoy forearm workouts trying to spread cold bricks
- 1/4 cup raisins – The classic “ants,” but plump ones work best so they don’t roll away
That’s it! Though I sometimes toss in a pinch of cinnamon if I’m feeling fancy.
How to Make Ants on a Log
I’ll let you in on my foolproof method for assembling these adorable snacks—it’s so easy you could do it with your eyes closed (but maybe don’t, unless you want raisins everywhere). Here’s how we turn simple ingredients into edible magic:
Step 1: Prep the Celery
First, give those celery stalks a good rinse under cold water—nothing ruins snack time faster than gritty celery! Pat them completely dry with paper towels (cream cheese slides right off wet celery, trust me). Now grab your knife and cut each stalk into 3-inch pieces—the perfect bite-sized length that won’t drip down little chins.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese
Here’s my pro tip: use the back of a spoon to spread the softened cream cheese evenly into those beautiful celery grooves. Go gentle—we’re making snack art, not mashed potatoes! Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness so you get that satisfying creamy crunch in every bite without overwhelming the celery.
Step 3: Top with Raisins
Now the fun part—making your “ants” march! Press those plump raisins gently into the cream cheese, spacing them about half an inch apart. I like to do five per piece—enough to look like a proper ant parade without going overboard. Pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes if you want the cream cheese to firm up slightly, or dive right in if you’re as impatient as my kids!
Tips for Perfect Ants on a Log
After making hundreds of these little snacks, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take your Ants on a Log from good to “can we have these every day?!” level:
- Soft cream cheese is key – Leave it out for 30 minutes, or microwave for 5-second bursts if you’re in a hurry
- Press raisins gently – Just enough to stick, not enough to squash the cream cheese out
- Chill before serving – 15 minutes in the fridge helps everything set nicely
- Peanut butter hack – Thin it with a bit of honey if it’s too thick to spread
- Storage smarts – Layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together
Oh, and always make extra—these disappear faster than you’d think!
Ants on a Log Variations
The beauty of this snack? You can dress it up a hundred different ways depending on your mood (or what’s in your pantry). My family’s favorite twists:
- Berry Ants – Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries
- Nutty Logs – Add crushed pecans or almonds with the cream cheese
- Chocolate Lover’s – Mini chocolate chips instead of raisins (kid heaven!)
- Tropical Twist – Coconut flakes and diced dried pineapple
- Savory Style – Everything bagel seasoning over cream cheese
Honestly? The only limit is your imagination—go wild!
Serving and Storing Ants on a Log
These little guys are perfect served immediately when the cream cheese is extra creamy, but I actually love them chilled—the flavors meld together beautifully after 15 minutes in the fridge. If you’re not devouring them all at once (good luck with that!), just pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days—though in my house, they never last that long!
Ants on a Log Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on why this snack makes me feel good about second helpings: each celery log comes in at about 80 calories, with 5g of fat (mostly from that creamy goodness) and 8g of carbs. Of course, these numbers dance around depending on your exact ingredients—swap in peanut butter, and the protein bumps up; go heavy on raisins, and the sugars climb. But compared to most grab-and-go snacks? This one’s a total win in my book.
FAQs About Ants on a Log
Can I use peanut butter instead of cream cheese? Absolutely! Peanut butter is actually the OG filling—just make sure it’s creamy, not crunchy (those peanut bits clog the celery grooves). If it’s too thick, stir in a teaspoon of honey to make it spreadable.
How long do Ants on a Log last in the fridge? They’ll stay fresh for about 2 days, but the celery starts losing its crunch after 24 hours. Pro tip: Wait to add raisins until just before serving if prepping ahead—they get weirdly chewy when refrigerated too long.
What can I use instead of raisins? Oh honey, the world’s your oyster! Dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, even sunflower seeds work great. My neighbor’s kids love rainbow sprinkles (messy but worth it for their squeals).
Can I make these ahead for a party? You bet! Prep the celery and cream cheese base up to 4 hours early, then add your “ants” right before serving. Keep them chilled on a tray with damp paper towels underneath to prevent drying out.
Enjoy Your Ants on a Log!
Now go make some crunchy, creamy magic—and don’t forget to lick the cream cheese spoon! Tag me if you try a fun variation, I’d love to see your snack creations. You can find more fun recipes on our Pinterest page.
3-Ingredient Ants on a Log – The Ultimate Nostalgic Snack
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and nutritious snack made with celery, cream cheese, and raisins. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 4 stalks celery, washed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Cut each celery stalk into 3-inch pieces.
- Spread cream cheese evenly into the groove of each celery piece.
- Press raisins into the cream cheese, spacing them evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Use peanut butter instead of cream cheese for a different flavor.
- Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
