Lunar Star Date Platter

Featured in: Vegetarian & Plant-Based Grill

This platter highlights large Medjool dates shaped into moons and stars, filled with a nutty mix of almonds, pistachios, shredded coconut, and orange zest blended with orange blossom water. The dates are brushed with honey for shine and sprinkled with sesame seeds and gold leaf for an elegant finish. Ideal for easy, no-cook preparation, this dish suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets and pairs beautifully with mint tea. Variations include swapping nuts or citrus for a personalized touch.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:20:00 GMT
Luxurious Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey and sesame seeds, perfect for entertaining. Save
Luxurious Lunar and Star Date Platter, glistening with honey and sesame seeds, perfect for entertaining. | bitegrill.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 always impresses guests with its elegant presentation and delicious taste.

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 and 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.
Festive Lunar and Star Date Platter, filled with nuts and citrus and arranged on a serving plate. Save
Festive Lunar and Star Date Platter, filled with nuts and citrus and arranged on a serving plate. | bitegrill.com

This recipe has become a family favorite at celebrations bringing everyone together around a beautifully crafted platter.

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

Gourmet Lunar and Star Date Platter, the star and moon dates look delicious with gold leaf finishing. Save
Gourmet Lunar and Star Date Platter, the star and moon dates look delicious with gold leaf finishing. | bitegrill.com

This platter is simple to prepare yet stunning to serve making it a perfect addition to any festive menu.

Recipe FAQ

How do you shape the dates into moons and stars?

Use small cookie cutters to gently press and trim the dates into desired crescent and star shapes, ensuring the dates stay mostly whole.

What is used to fill the dates?

A mixture of crushed blanched almonds, pistachios, shredded coconut, orange zest, and orange blossom water forms a flavorful, textured filling.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the filling?

Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts can replace almonds or pistachios, and lemon zest can be used instead of orange for a different citrus note.

Is there a way to make the platter vegan?

Simply swap the honey brushed on top with agave syrup to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing shine or flavor.

What tools are needed for preparation?

Small star and crescent moon cookie cutters, a sharp paring knife, a small mixing bowl, and a pastry brush are recommended for shaping and assembling.

Are there any allergen considerations?

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

Lunar Star Date Platter

Elegant platter featuring crescent and star shaped dates filled with nuts and citrus for festive occasions.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
1 min
Complete duration
26 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Middle Eastern, North African

Output 20 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Dates & Fillings

01 20 large Medjool dates, pitted
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, warmed for brushing

Method

Phase 01

Prepare dates: Slice each date lengthwise on one side and remove the pit, preserving the shape as much as possible.

Phase 02

Shape dates: Using small cookie cutters, gently press and trim half the dates into crescent moons and the other half into stars.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Fill dates: Carefully fill each shaped date with the nut mixture, shaping it to fit the contours of the moons and stars.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios).
  • May contain traces of sesame.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 100
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 2 g