Lunar Star Date Platter

Featured in: Sweet Golden Treats

This beautiful platter showcases large Medjool dates shaped into moons and stars, filled with a fragrant blend of crushed almonds, pistachios, orange zest, and coconut. The dates are gently brushed with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, adding shine and texture. Edible gold leaf adds a luxurious finishing touch. Perfect for festive gatherings, this vegetarian and gluten-free offering embraces Middle Eastern and North African influences and requires no cooking, only simple assembly.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:06:00 GMT
Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey and shimmering gold leaf, a festive dessert. Save
Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey and shimmering gold leaf, a festive dessert. | amberladle.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 has become my go-to for special gatherings and celebrations, impressing guests with its unique design 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
Brush honey:
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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| amberladle.com

This recipe is perfect for sharing with family especially during holidays when we gather to enjoy sweet treats and conversation

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

These Lunar and Star Date Platters showcase dates filled with nuts and citrus; a sweet treat. Save
These Lunar and Star Date Platters showcase dates filled with nuts and citrus; a sweet treat. | amberladle.com

Enjoy this elegant and tasty platter as a delightful treat that combines tradition with creativity

Recipe FAQs

What types of nuts are used in the filling?

The filling combines crushed almonds and pistachios for a rich, crunchy texture.

How are the dates shaped into moons and stars?

Small cookie cutters are used to press and trim the dates gently into crescent moon and star shapes.

Can this be made vegan?

Yes, by substituting honey with agave syrup, the dish remains sweet and suitable for a vegan diet.

Is cooking required for this dish?

No cooking is involved; the preparation focuses on shaping, filling, and decorating fresh dates.

How is the sweetness enhanced in the platter?

A light brushing of honey adds a glossy shine and a touch of natural sweetness to the dates.

Are there suggested variations for the nuts or citrus?

You can swap almonds or pistachios for walnuts or hazelnuts, and replace orange zest with lemon for a different flavor profile.

Lunar Star Date Platter

An elegant platter featuring citrus and nut-filled dates shaped into moons and stars.

Prep time
25 min
0
Overall time
25 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern, North African

Makes 20 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free, No dairy, No gluten

What you need

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 make it

Step 01

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

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

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

Step 04

Fill Dates: Carefully spoon or press the nut mixture into each shaped date, molding it to the moon and star contours.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Finish Decoration: Warm honey slightly, brush it over the dates for shine, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and optionally apply edible gold leaf.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios).
  • May contain traces of sesame.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 100
  • Fat content: 3 g
  • Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein amount: 2 g