Lunar Star Date Platter

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This platter showcases pitted Medjool dates shaped into moons and stars. The filling combines crushed almonds, pistachios, orange zest, shredded coconut, and orange blossom water, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Dates are arranged artistically and brushed with honey, topped with sesame seeds and optional edible gold leaf for a festive touch. Ideal for celebrations or as a refined sweet option, it requires no cooking and takes just 25 minutes to prepare.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:24:00 GMT
Moon-shaped and star-shaped Lunar and Star Date Platter, filled with flavorful nuts, ready to enjoy. Save
Moon-shaped and star-shaped Lunar and Star Date Platter, filled with flavorful nuts, ready to enjoy. | poppyhearth.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 became an instant favorite at my family gatherings, always drawing compliments for both taste and presentation.

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

Step 1:
Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit keeping the date as whole as possible.
Step 2:
Using small cookie cutters shape half the dates into crescents moons and the other half into stars by gently pressing and trimming the fruit.
Step 3:
For the filling lightly crush the almonds and pistachios then mix with the orange zest coconut and orange blossom water until combined.
Step 4:
Carefully spoon or press the nut filling into each date shaping it to follow the contours of the moon and star shapes.
Step 5:
Arrange the filled dates onto a serving platter in a decorative pattern.
Step 6:
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.
A beautiful close-up of the Lunar and Star Date Platter, a sweet Middle Eastern treat ready to serve. Save
A beautiful close-up of the Lunar and Star Date Platter, a sweet Middle Eastern treat ready to serve. | poppyhearth.com

This recipe always brings back warm memories of festive celebrations and sharing sweet moments with loved ones.

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

Festive Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey, displaying dates elegantly shaped and garnished. Save
Festive Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey, displaying dates elegantly shaped and garnished. | poppyhearth.com

A perfect treat for special occasions or as a delightful sweet snack anytime.

Recipe Questions

How do I shape the dates into moons and stars?

Use small cookie cutters to gently press and trim the dates into crescent and star shapes while keeping them as whole as possible.

Can I substitute the nuts in the filling?

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

Is there a vegan alternative for the honey glaze?

Agave syrup works well as a vegan-friendly substitute for brushing over the dates to add shine.

What enhances the citrus flavor in the filling?

Fresh orange zest combined with fragrant orange blossom water delivers a bright citrus note to the nut mixture.

How should the platter be served for best effect?

Arrange dates in an artful pattern and serve alongside mint tea for an authentic and refreshing pairing.

Lunar Star Date Platter

Elegant fruit platter with crescent and star shapes, nut fillings, and citrus accents.

Prep duration
25 minutes
0
Total duration
25 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway

Recipe type Simple Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Middle Eastern, North African

Makes 20 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free, No dairy, No gluten

Required 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 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 Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Combine Filling: Lightly crush the almonds and pistachios, then mix with orange zest, shredded coconut, and orange blossom water until well incorporated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Arrange on Platter: Place the filled dates onto a serving platter in an elegant, decorative design.

Step 06

Finish with Glaze and Garnish: Warm honey slightly and brush it over the dates for a glossy finish, then sprinkle sesame seeds and apply edible gold leaf if desired.

Tools needed

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

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios).
  • May contain traces of sesame.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 100
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 2 g