Lunar Star Date Platter

Featured in: Soft & Sweet Bakes

This beautiful platter features Medjool dates carefully shaped into crescent moons and stars. Each piece is filled with a fragrant mixture of crushed almonds, pistachios, orange zest, shredded coconut, and orange blossom water. The dates are arranged in a festive pattern, brushed with honey for shine, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and optionally accented with edible gold leaf for a touch of luxury. Simple to prepare and perfect for elegant gatherings, this nutty and citrusy treat highlights fresh, natural flavors with zero cooking time.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:45:00 GMT
Delicate Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, looks delectable. Save
Delicate Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, looks delectable. | ivorycrumb.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 recipe became a holiday favorite in my family because of its unique presentation and delightful flavors.

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 platter always sparks joy at family gatherings bringing smiles and compliments.

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

A vibrant plating of Lunar and Star Date Platter, the dates filled and shaped like moons and stars. Save
A vibrant plating of Lunar and Star Date Platter, the dates filled and shaped like moons and stars. | ivorycrumb.com

Enjoy this elegant and healthy treat that’s perfect for any celebration and sure to impress your guests.

Recipe FAQs

How do you shape the dates into moons and stars?

Use small cookie cutters to gently trim the pitted dates into crescent and star shapes, taking care to keep them intact.

What nuts work best for the filling?

Blanched almonds and unsalted pistachios provide a crunchy texture that complements the sweet dates perfectly.

Can I substitute orange zest with other citrus?

Yes, lemon zest works well for a different citrus aroma and flavor profile in the filling.

Is cooking required for this platter?

No cooking is needed; the preparation involves assembling and garnishing the dates for a fresh, natural presentation.

What garnish adds the luxurious finishing touch?

Edible gold leaf and a light brush of honey enhance the platter's elegance and visual appeal.

Are there vegan alternatives for the honey glaze?

Agave syrup can be used instead of honey for a vegan-friendly shine and sweetness.

Lunar Star Date Platter

Elegant nuts and citrus filled dates shaped into moons and stars, finished with honey and gold leaf.

Prep time
25 min
0
Total duration
25 min
Created by Nora Ellington


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Middle Eastern

Makes 20 Serves

Diet details Meat-free, No dairy, No gluten

What You'll Need

Dates & Fillings

01 20 large pitted Medjool dates
02 1.75 oz blanched almonds
03 1.75 oz shelled unsalted pistachios
04 1.4 oz unsweetened shredded coconut
05 Zest of 1 orange
06 2 tablespoons orange blossom water

Decoration

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Shape dates: Using small cookie cutters, shape half the dates into crescents and the other half into stars by gently pressing and trimming the fruit.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Arrange platter: Place the filled dates onto a serving platter in an elegant decorative pattern.

Step 06

Finish decoration: Warm the honey slightly and brush it over the dates for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and, if desired, apply pieces of edible gold leaf.

Tools needed

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

Allergen details

Be sure to review the ingredients for possible allergens and speak to a healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios). May contain traces of sesame.

Nutrition info per dish

Details here are just for reference. They don't replace health or nutrition advice.
  • Calories: 100
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 2 g