Lunar and Star Date Platter

Featured in: Simple Soft Treats

This elegant platter showcases Medjool dates meticulously shaped into crescent moons and stars, each filled with a blend of crushed almonds, pistachios, orange zest, shredded coconut, and a hint of orange blossom water. Finished with a honey glaze and sesame seed sprinkle, the display offers a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch, making it perfect for festive gatherings and sophisticated snacking.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:08:00 GMT
Golden honey glaze glistens over a Lunar and Star Date Platter, perfect for dessert. Save to Pinterest
Golden honey glaze glistens over a Lunar and Star Date Platter, perfect for dessert. | saffronmoss.com

A stunning and festive platter featuring dates shaped into moons and stars, filled with nuts and citrus, and elegantly garnished for special occasions.

I enjoy making this platter for celebrations because it always impresses guests with its beautiful shapes and unique taste.

Ingredients

  • Dates & Fillings: 20 large Medjool dates pitted, 50 g blanched almonds, 50 g pistachios shelled and unsalted, 40 g unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 orange zest only, 2 tbsp orange blossom water
  • Decoration: Edible gold leaf optional, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 2 tbsp honey for brushing

Instructions

Slice Dates:
Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit keeping the date as whole as possible.
Shape Dates:
Using small cookie cutters shape half the dates into crescents moons and the other half into stars by gently pressing and trimming the fruit.
Prepare Filling:
Lightly crush the almonds and pistachios then mix with the orange zest coconut and orange blossom water until combined.
Fill Dates:
Carefully spoon or press the nut filling into each date shaping it to follow the contours of the moon and star shapes.
Arrange Platter:
Arrange the filled dates onto a serving platter in a decorative pattern.
Decorate:
Warm the honey slightly and brush over the dates for shine Sprinkle with sesame seeds and apply edible gold leaf pieces for a luxurious finish if desired.
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This recipe always brings my family together especially during holidays when everyone gathers to admire and enjoy the platter.

Required Tools

Small star and crescent moon cookie cutters Small mixing bowl Sharp paring knife Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts almonds pistachios May contain traces of sesame Ensure dates and other ingredients are processed in allergen-safe facilities if required

Nutritional Information

Calories 100 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 2 g per serving

Enjoy a vibrant Lunar and Star Date Platter, showcasing crescent moon and star shaped dates, filled with nuts. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a vibrant Lunar and Star Date Platter, showcasing crescent moon and star shaped dates, filled with nuts. | saffronmoss.com

This platter is perfect for festive gatherings and can be customized easily to suit different tastes.

Recipe FAQs

How do I shape the dates into moons and stars?

Use small crescent moon and star cookie cutters to gently press and trim the pitted dates, maintaining their whole shape for filling.

What nuts work best for the filling?

Almonds and pistachios provide a nice crunch and flavor, but walnuts or hazelnuts can be used as alternatives for variety.

Can I substitute honey in the glaze?

Yes, for a vegan option, agave syrup makes a great substitute to brush over the dates for shine and sweetness.

How should I store the finished platter?

Keep the platter refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

What beverages pair well with this platter?

Mint tea or light citrus-infused teas complement the nutty and sweet flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Lunar and Star Date Platter

Nut-filled dates shaped into moons and stars, brushed with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Prep Steps Duration
25 min
0
Overall Time Required
25 min
Created by Leah Winslow

Dish Type Simple Soft Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Middle Eastern, North African

Servings Made 20 Number of Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, No Dairy, Doesn't Contain Gluten

List of Ingredients

Dates & Fillings

01 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
02 1.76 oz blanched almonds
03 1.76 oz pistachios, shelled and unsalted
04 1.41 oz unsweetened shredded coconut
05 Zest of 1 medium orange
06 2 tbsp orange blossom water

Decoration

01 Edible gold leaf (optional)
02 1 tbsp sesame seeds
03 2 tbsp honey (for brushing)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare dates: Slice each date lengthwise on one side and carefully remove the pit, keeping the date intact.

Step 02

Shape dates: Using small star and crescent moon cookie cutters, gently press and trim half the dates into crescents and the other half into stars.

Step 03

Prepare filling: Lightly crush the almonds and pistachios, then combine with orange zest, shredded coconut, and orange blossom water until evenly mixed.

Step 04

Fill dates: Spoon or press the nut mixture into each date, molding the filling to match the moon and star shapes.

Step 05

Arrange on platter: Place the filled dates decoratively on a serving platter.

Step 06

Finish decoration: Warm honey slightly and brush over the dates for shine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and adorn with edible gold leaf if desired.

Equipment List

  • Small star and crescent moon cookie cutters
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios).
  • May contain traces of sesame.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Only use this info for reference—it won't replace expert advice.
  • Calorie Content: 100
  • Amount of Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein Amount: 2 g