Save Pin A stunning and festive platter featuring dates shaped into moons and stars, filled with nuts and citrus, and elegantly garnished for special occasions.
This is a delightful recipe I love serving during the holidays; it always impresses guests with its beautiful 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
- 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.
Save Pin This recipe brings families together as we enjoy these sweet shaped treats often with steaming cups of tea.
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
Save Pin This festive platter makes a perfect elegant dessert for any holiday gathering or special occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I shape the dates into moons and stars?
Use small cookie cutters to gently press and trim the pitted dates, creating crescent moons and star shapes while keeping them as whole as possible.
- → What nuts work best for the filling?
Blanched almonds and shelled pistachios provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, but walnuts or hazelnuts can be substituted for variety.
- → How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Lightly crush the nuts and mix with the coconut, orange zest, and blossom water to a slightly sticky consistency that holds shape when pressed into the dates.
- → Can this platter be made vegan?
Yes, simply replace honey with agave syrup when brushing the dates to maintain shine and sweetness.
- → What is the purpose of orange blossom water in the filling?
Orange blossom water adds a fragrant floral note that complements the citrus zest and nuts, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- → Any tips for presentation?
Arrange the shaped dates in a decorative pattern on a platter, brush with warmed honey, sprinkle sesame seeds, and add edible gold leaf for an elegant finish.