Lunar Star Date Platter

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This elegant platter showcases Medjool dates carved into moons and stars, filled with a fragrant blend of blanched almonds, pistachios, coconut, and citrus zest infused with orange blossom water. The filled dates are brushed with honey for a glossy finish and adorned with sesame seeds and optional edible gold leaf, creating a festive and visually striking arrangement. Ideal for gatherings, it offers a refined combination of textures and natural sweetness with Middle Eastern and North African influences.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:50:00 GMT
Lunar and Star Date Platter, arranged with star and moon-shaped dates, filled with nuts, and ready to serve. Save
Lunar and Star Date Platter, arranged with star and moon-shaped dates, filled with nuts, and ready to serve. | dashofstates.com

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

This platter is perfect for holiday celebrations and never fails to impress guests with its elegance and flavor.

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:
Arrange the filled dates onto a serving platter in a decorative pattern.
Finish:
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.
Festive Lunar and Star Date Platter with golden honey-glazed dates, perfect for special occasions with nutty filling. Save
Festive Lunar and Star Date Platter with golden honey-glazed dates, perfect for special occasions with nutty filling. | dashofstates.com

This recipe is a family favorite during festive gatherings creating a warm and memorable moment for everyone.

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

Sweet Lunar and Star Date Platter, featuring star and crescent date shapes, generously filled and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Save
Sweet Lunar and Star Date Platter, featuring star and crescent date shapes, generously filled and sprinkled with sesame seeds. | dashofstates.com

This elegant platter is sure to be the centerpiece of your special occasion delicious and visually stunning.

Recipe FAQ

How do I shape the dates into moons and stars?

Use small star and crescent-shaped cookie cutters to gently press and trim the dates lengthwise after pitting, maintaining as much of the fruit's shape as possible.

Can I substitute the nuts in the filling?

Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used instead of almonds or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

Is there a vegan alternative to honey for brushing?

Agave syrup can replace honey to keep the platter vegan while still providing a glossy finish.

What does orange blossom water add to the filling?

It imparts a delicate floral aroma that complements the nuts and citrus, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.

How should I serve this platter for best effect?

Arrange the filled dates decoratively on a serving platter and consider pairing with mint tea for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.

Are there any allergen concerns with this dish?

The dish contains tree nuts and may have traces of sesame; ensure ingredients are sourced from allergen-safe facilities if needed.

Lunar Star Date Platter

Elegant platter featuring crescent and star-shaped dates stuffed with nuts and citrus zest.

Prep duration
25 min
0
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage Middle Eastern, North African

Output 20 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free, No dairy, No gluten

Components

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 1 orange, zest only
06 2 tablespoons orange blossom water

Decoration

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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Dates: Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit, keeping the date as whole as possible.

Phase 02

Shape Dates: Use small cookie cutters to shape half the dates into crescents (moons) and the other half into stars by gently pressing and trimming the fruit.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Fill Dates: Spoon or press the nut filling into each date, shaping it to follow the contours of the moon and star shapes.

Phase 05

Arrange Platter: Arrange the filled dates onto a serving platter in an appealing decorative pattern.

Phase 06

Add Finishing Touches: Warm the honey slightly and brush over the dates for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and apply edible gold leaf if desired.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios). May contain traces of sesame.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 100
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 2 g