Ants on a Log Ice Cream
Inspired by the Salt & Straw ice cream base and those nostalgic afterschool snacks, I’ve recreated the kids afternoon snack, Ants on a Log, as an ice cream flavor that brings back the joy of summer days and carefree afternoons.
Nostalgia in Every Bite
Remember ants on a log? Back when it was okay to play with your food. Sticks of crunchy celery transformed into a vehicle for creamy, salty peanut butter topped with raisins. Of course, the raisins are stationed along the celery like they’re passengers in a boat. Those simple, playful moments made snack time an adventure.
A Playful Twist
As a kid, summer was a time for fun and creativity. Whether it was building sandcastles, making up games, or turning snacks into edible art, play was an essential part of every day. This summer, I wanted to capture that spirit by dreaming up fun, interesting, and delicious flavor combinations. Something to evoke a little surprise and remind us that even as adults it’s important to include a little play in our every day lives.
Creating Ants on a Log Ice Cream
Combining the nostalgia of afterschool snacks with the delight of homemade ice cream, this Ants on a Log ice cream is a unique and flavorful treat. The celery adds a subtle herby freshness, while the peanut butter provides a rich, creamy base. The raisin jam adds a touch of sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced and playful dessert.
Ants on a Log Ice Cream
Childhood snack of celery, peanut butter and raisins turned into ice cream.
Ingredients
Celery Ice Cream
- 3 cups Salt & Straw ice cream base
- 1 cup celery chopped
Peanut Butter Swirl
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil melted (optional, for extra smoothness)
- hot water (optional if needed)
Raisin Jam
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Day 1 – Prepare Ice Cream Base + Raisin Jam
Celery Ice Cream Base
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Put the whole milk (from the ice cream base) and chopped celery in a blender until combined. Strain celery from milk.
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Prepare the Salt & Straw ice cream base per the recipe below using the celery flavored milk and chill overnight.
Raisin Jam
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Simmer Raisins: In a small saucepan, combine raisins, water, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raisins are plump and half of the water is absorbed (about 10 minutes).
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Blend: Transfer the raisin mixture to a blender or food processor. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more water to achieve a jam-like consistency.
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Cool: Allow the raisin jam to cool to room temperature before using it in the ice cream or over night in the fridge with the ice cream base.
Day 2 – Make Peanut Butter Swirl and Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Swirl
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Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, light corn syrup, and vegetable oil (if using) until smooth. The corn syrup helps to keep the peanut butter slightly soft, even when frozen.
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Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more corn syrup or a few drops of warm water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Churn and Freeze Ice Cream
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Churn the Base: Add the celery ice cream base to your ice cream machine and churn.
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Layering: For more pronounced swirls, layer the ice cream base and the swirl mixtures in your storage container. Spoon a layer of ice cream base, add dollops of peanut butter and raisin jam, and repeat until all the mixture is used.
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Freeze: Transfer the swirled ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Recipe Video
Enjoy the Playful Flavors
This Ants on a Log ice cream is a delightful treat that combines the herbal freshness of celery with the creamy, salty goodness of peanut butter and the sweet, surprise of raisin jam. It’s perfect for evoking those carefree summer afternoons and adding a touch of playful nostalgia to your day.
Stay tuned for more unique ice cream flavors, and don’t forget to try the versatile Salt & Straw Ice Cream Base to create your own unique flavor combinations!
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