Lunar Star Date Platter

Featured in: Holiday Favorites

This vibrant platter showcases Medjool dates artfully shaped into moons and stars, filled with a fragrant mix of crushed almonds, pistachios, orange zest, shredded coconut, and orange blossom water. The delicate nut filling complements the natural sweetness of the dates, while a honey glaze and sesame seeds add shine and texture. Optional edible gold leaf elevates the presentation, making it ideal for celebrations. Quick to prepare and visually striking, this sweet platters highlights Middle Eastern and North African flavors in a vegetarian, gluten-free option. Serve alongside mint tea for an authentic touch.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:30:00 GMT
Delightful Lunar and Star Date Platter, arranged beautifully with shimmering gold leaf and sesame sprinkled. Save to Pinterest
Delightful Lunar and Star Date Platter, arranged beautifully with shimmering gold leaf and sesame sprinkled. | krispyrecipes.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 was a memorable centerpiece at our last holiday gathering, delighting guests with its unique shapes and 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.
Finish Decoration:
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.
Close-up of a festive Lunar and Star Date Platter, showcasing creamy nut fillings within date shapes. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a festive Lunar and Star Date Platter, showcasing creamy nut fillings within date shapes. | krispyrecipes.com

Our family always enjoys gathering around this platter which sparks conversations about tradition and creativity.

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, a close-up revealing crescent moon and star date shapes ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Sweet Lunar and Star Date Platter, a close-up revealing crescent moon and star date shapes ready to serve. | krispyrecipes.com

This plated creation adds both visual appeal and unique flavors making it perfect for celebrations and gifting.

Common Recipe Questions

How can I shape the dates into moons and stars?

Use small crescent moon and star-shaped cookie cutters to gently press and trim the dates, ensuring they remain intact but take the desired forms.

What nuts work best for the filling?

Blanched almonds and shelled pistachios create a rich and textured filling, but you can substitute walnuts or hazelnuts for variety.

Can I make a vegan version of this platter?

Replace the honey glaze with agave syrup or another plant-based sweetener to keep the dish vegan while maintaining its glossy finish.

What is the role of orange blossom water in the filling?

Orange blossom water imparts a subtle floral aroma that enhances the citrus zest and nutty filling, giving the platter a fragrant complexity.

How should I serve and store the platter?

Arrange the filled dates on a decorative platter, brush with honey and sprinkle sesame seeds and optional gold leaf. Store covered at room temperature for up to two days.

Are there any common allergens in this platter?

This contains tree nuts like almonds and pistachios, and may have traces of sesame seeds. Ensure ingredient sourcing is allergen-safe if needed.

Lunar Star Date Platter

Elegant arrangement of moon and star dates with nut-citrus filling and honey glaze for festive gatherings.

Prep Duration
25 minutes
0
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Holiday Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Middle Eastern and North African

Total Portions 20 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Veggie-Friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Dates & Fillings

01 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
02 1.76 oz blanched almonds
03 1.76 oz unsalted shelled pistachios
04 1.41 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Dates: Slice each date lengthwise on one side and carefully remove the pit, preserving the fruit's shape.

Step 02

Create Shapes: Using small cookie cutters, shape half the dates into crescent moons and the other half into stars by gently pressing and trimming.

Step 03

Make Filling: Lightly crush almonds and pistachios, then combine them 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, conforming to their moon and star shapes.

Step 05

Arrange on Platter: Place the filled dates in an elegant pattern on a serving platter.

Step 06

Decorate: Warm honey slightly and brush over the dates for a glossy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and optionally adorn with edible gold leaf.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios). May contain traces of sesame.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 100
  • Total Fat: 3 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams