Peanut Butter Caterpillars

A snack that doubles as an activity. Banana slices get spread with peanut butter and connected end to end to form a caterpillar body, with a grape “glued” on front as the head using more peanut butter. Then comes the creative part: let kids add celery stick antennae, raisin eyes, or whatever veggie bits they dream up.

This is less of a recipe and more of a framework for getting kids to eat fruit while they play with their food (on purpose, for once). The peanut butter acts as both flavor and edible glue, holding each segment together and keeping the caterpillar from rolling apart on the plate.

Pro Tips

• Slice the banana into thick rounds so they stand up and hold the peanut butter between segments.
• Use a butter knife for spreading so little hands can do the work safely.
• Sesame butter works as a swap for kids with peanut allergies and sticks just as well.

Variations

• Use apple slices instead of banana rounds for a crunchier caterpillar that holds up longer.
• Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free school-safe version.
• Add mini chocolate chips as “spots” pressed into the peanut butter for a sweeter treat.