Banana and Peanut Butter Celery Sticks: The Perfect Quick and Healthy Snack You’ll Love

When it comes to quick, wholesome snacks, banana and peanut butter celery sticks are a game-changer. They’re the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re so easy to put together, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.

This snack brings together some of my favorite pantry staples in the simplest way. The crisp celery acts as the perfect vessel for the rich peanut butter, while the banana slices add a natural sweetness that’s hard to resist. It’s a fun twist on the classic ants-on-a-log, but with a fruity upgrade.

Ingredients

As a true banana lover and someone who adores experimenting with banana recipes, I’ve chosen ripe yet firm bananas for this delightful snack. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Banana and Peanut Butter Celery Sticks:

• 2 medium celery stalks – Washed, trimmed, and cut into 3-inch pieces. This will give you the perfect sturdy base.
• 2 ripe bananas – Peeled and sliced into thin, even rounds about ¼ inch thick. The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully here.
• 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter – I prefer creamy for easy spreading, but feel free to use crunchy if you like a textural pop.
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional) – For added sweetness, depending on your taste.

Tools And Equipment

Creating my banana and peanut butter celery sticks doesn’t require much, but having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what I reach for in my kitchen:

• Cutting board: I use a sturdy board to slice the celery and bananas cleanly. A non-slip surface helps keep everything in place.
• Sharp knife: Precision is key for even banana rounds and trimmed celery stalks. A small paring knife works perfectly for me.
• Butter knife or small spatula: For spreading the creamy peanut butter effortlessly along the celery grooves, a butter knife or a silicone spatula is my go-to.
• Measuring spoons: To ensure the perfect balance of flavors, I measure out the peanut butter and optional honey with standard measuring spoons.

Directions

Let’s dive into creating these delicious banana and peanut butter celery sticks. With bananas as the star ingredient, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.

Prep The Ingredients

First, I wash the celery stalks under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Then, I cut each stalk into approximately 3-inch pieces—these lengths allow for an easy-to-handle snack. Next, I grab my bananas. Using a sharp knife on my cutting board, I slice the bananas into thin, even rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. This makes them the perfect size to balance on the celery sticks without toppling over. Lastly, I take out the creamy peanut butter, stirring it well for smooth application.

Assemble The Celery Sticks

Using a small butter knife or spatula, I spread about a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter onto the hollow side of each celery piece. I make sure the peanut butter fills the groove evenly—this creates a solid, sticky base for the banana slices. Next, I carefully top the peanut butter with 2 to 3 banana slices per celery stick, ensuring they’re nestled securely so they stay in place when picked up.

Add The Finishing Touches

If I’m craving a touch of extra sweetness, I drizzle a little honey over the banana-topped celery sticks. When I want to experiment, I even sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chia seeds over them to enhance the flavors. Serve these beauties right away to enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, or refrigerate them if I’m prepping for later.

Make-Ahead Instructions

As a dedicated banana enthusiast, I understand how important it is to make the most of this delicious fruit while keeping snacks fresh and convenient. Luckily, banana and peanut butter celery sticks can be prepped ahead of time with just a few simple steps, making them an easy grab-and-go option for busy days.

1. Prepare the Celery and Banana in Advance

Start by washing and cutting your celery stalks into 3-inch pieces. Thoroughly pat them dry with a clean towel to prevent any excess moisture. Peel and slice the bananas into thin, even rounds. To keep the banana slices from browning, lightly brush them with fresh lemon juice. This will help maintain their bright color without altering their sweet flavor.

1. Assemble or Separate Components

For longer storage, I recommend assembling the snack just before eating. Store the celery sticks, banana slices, and peanut butter separately in airtight containers or resealable bags. Layer the banana slices between pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking. However, if you prefer to assemble the snack ahead of time, spread peanut butter on the celery sticks and top them with bananas right before consuming for the best texture.

1. Storage Tips

Keep the celery and peanut butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The banana slices, due to their delicate nature, are best stored for 1–2 days, even with the lemon juice barrier. If you’ve preassembled the celery sticks, store them in a tightly sealed container and consume them within a day for optimal freshness.

1. Fun Banana Expert Tip

If you want to take this snack to the next level, freeze the pre-sliced, lemon-brushed banana rounds. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw slightly before topping your celery sticks. The frozen banana adds an irresistible creamy texture and a new twist to the classic recipe.

Planning ahead with these steps ensures you can savor every bit of that creamy, crunchy, and naturally sweet goodness while using your bananas at their best ripeness.

Tips For Success

When it comes to making banana and peanut butter celery sticks, I like to ensure every bite is as fresh and flavorful as possible. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks through growing my own bananas and experimenting with this recipe that I’m excited to share with you.

1. Choose the Perfect Bananas

Ripe bananas are key to balancing the nutty peanut butter and crisp celery. Look for bananas that have a bright yellow peel with a few brown speckles—this means they’re sweet and flavorful without being overly soft. Avoid overripe bananas, as they might get too mushy for this recipe.

1. Mastering Slicing

Slice the bananas into even rounds about 1/4-inch thick for consistent layering. A sharp knife works best for clean, smooth cuts. I personally love this step because it showcases the beautiful creamy texture of the banana.

1. Prevent Browning

If you’re making this ahead of time, brush the banana slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Don’t worry—the lemon flavor is subtle and won’t overpower the natural sweetness of the banana. As someone who loves keeping bananas fresh, this tip has been a lifesaver for my recipes.

1. Peanut Butter Consistency

Use creamy peanut butter for easy spreading. If you choose crunchy peanut butter, make sure it’s softened slightly at room temperature to avoid tearing the celery. For me, the texture contrast of peanut butter and banana is one of the highlights of this recipe.

1. Celery Selection

Pick fresh celery stalks that are firm and vibrant green. Limp or rubbery stalks can take away from the crisp texture. When prepping, don’t forget to peel the outer strings if you’re serving kids or anyone who prefers a smoother bite.

1. Custom Toppings for Flavor Boost

Experiment with toppings that pair beautifully with bananas, like a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or even a dash of cinnamon for a touch of warmth. Bananas are so versatile—they shine with a variety of additions!

1. Serve Fresh

While these celery sticks hold up well in the fridge for a few hours, they’re best enjoyed shortly after assembling. This guarantees that the celery is crisp, the peanut butter is creamy, and the bananas remain their sweetest and juiciest.

1. Experiment with Banana Variations

If you’re lucky enough to grow different banana varieties as I do, test out the recipe with dwarf Cavendish, red bananas, or baby bananas for subtle shifts in flavor and texture. I love sharing these unique adaptations with friends and family—it makes the recipe extra special.

Conclusion

Banana and peanut butter celery sticks are such a fun and satisfying way to mix simplicity with great taste. I love how easy they are to whip up while still feeling like a creative treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a lunchbox addition, or something to share with friends, this recipe truly delivers.

With its balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, it’s hard not to enjoy every bite. Plus, the flexibility to prep ahead or customize with toppings makes it even better. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to snacks too!