German Bee Sting Cake Recipe
When I first encountered German Bee Sting Cake, or “Bienenstich” as it’s known in Germany, I was immediately captivated by its intriguing name and the promise of honey-sweetened bliss. This isn’t just another cake – it’s a testament to German baking mastery that combines a tender yeast-based foundation with a crunchy almond-honey topping and a luxurious vanilla custard filling.
The beauty of Bienenstich lies in its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Every bite delivers the satisfying crunch of caramelized almonds, the pillowy softness of yeasted cake, and the silky richness of homemade vanilla custard. I’ve been making this cake for years, and it never fails to impress guests at dinner parties or bring comfort during afternoon coffee breaks.
What makes this recipe special is its authenticity. I’ve carefully preserved the traditional German techniques while making the instructions accessible for home bakers. The result is a cake that would make any German grandmother proud – golden, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to an exceptional Bee Sting Cake lies in understanding each component. The yeast dough creates depth and complexity that you simply can’t achieve with baking powder alone. The honey-almond topping caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that signature “bee sting” sweetness. Meanwhile, the vanilla custard filling adds richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
I’ve refined this recipe through countless bakes, adjusting temperatures and timing to ensure consistent results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying German desserts for the first time, this recipe will guide you to success.
Recipe Timing & Servings
| Timing | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Rising Time | 1 hour |
| Cooling Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 8-10 slices |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions
Complete Ingredients List
The key to authentic German Bee Sting Cake is using quality ingredients in the right proportions. I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times to perfect these measurements.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| For the Dough: | ||
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons | Ensure it’s fresh for best rise |
| Warm milk | 1/4 cup (110°F/45°C) | Temperature is crucial |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | For the dough base |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/4 cup | Room temperature works best |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances flavor balance |
| Large egg | 1 | Room temperature preferred |
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups | Sift for lighter texture |
| For the Topping: | ||
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup | For caramelization |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | Creates the “sting” sweetness |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons | Use pure honey for best flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 tablespoon | Adds richness to topping |
| Sliced almonds | 1/2 cup | Fresh almonds toast better |
| For the Filling: | ||
| Whole milk | 1 1/2 cups | Don’t substitute low-fat |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | For custard sweetness |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | Thickening agent |
| Large egg yolks | 2 | Save whites for another use |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla is worth it |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup | For final custard richness |
Preparing the Yeast Dough
I always start with the dough since it needs time to rise. In a small bowl, I dissolve the yeast in warm milk – the temperature should feel like a comfortable bath on your wrist. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic. This step is crucial; if your yeast doesn’t foam, it’s dead and you’ll need to start over.
In my large mixing bowl, I combine the sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. I’ve learned that room-temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a better texture. Add the foamy yeast mixture and gradually stir in the flour.
Pro tip: I knead the dough for exactly 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size – this usually takes about 1 hour.
Creating the Honey-Almond Topping
While the dough rises, I prepare the signature topping. In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat, then add sugar, honey, and cream. I stir constantly until the mixture bubbles and turns golden – this takes about 3-4 minutes. The aroma at this stage is absolutely divine.
Remove from heat and stir in the sliced almonds. The mixture should coat the almonds evenly. Let this cool while you prepare the pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Assembly and Baking
Once the dough has doubled, I punch it down gently and press it evenly into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. The dough should reach the edges and be relatively even in thickness. Carefully spread the cooled almond topping over the entire surface.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cake sounds hollow when tapped. The almond topping should be caramelized but not burnt. Let the cake cool completely in the pan – this is essential for clean slicing later.
Preparing the Vanilla Custard Filling
The filling is what transforms this cake from good to extraordinary. I heat the milk in a saucepan until it’s just warm – not boiling. In a separate bowl, I whisk together sugar, flour, and egg yolks until smooth and pale.
Here’s my technique for perfect custard: gradually whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk.
The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has thickened considerably – this takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and stir in vanilla extract. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, then refrigerate until completely cool.
Once cool, I beat in the softened butter until the custard becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable. This final step creates the luxurious texture that makes Bienenstich so special.
Final Assembly Technique
The assembly requires a gentle hand and a sharp knife. Using a long serrated knife, I carefully slice the cooled cake horizontally in half. The key is to keep the knife level and use a sawing motion rather than pressing down.
I spread the vanilla custard filling evenly on the bottom layer, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Carefully place the top layer (with the almond topping) back on, pressing gently to secure.
Pro tip: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing much easier.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
German Bee Sting Cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered with plastic wrap. I actually prefer it after it’s had time to rest – the flavors develop beautifully overnight.
When serving, I use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts. This prevents the custard from sticking and ensures clean slices. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/8 of cake): Approximately 390 calories, 18g fat, 52g carbohydrates, 8g protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! German Bee Sting Cake actually improves after a day in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully, and the texture becomes even more luxurious. You can make it up to 2 days ahead of serving.
Q: What if my yeast doesn’t foam? A: If your yeast doesn’t become frothy after 10 minutes, it’s likely dead. Check the expiration date and water temperature (should be 110°F/45°C). Start over with fresh yeast – this step is crucial for the cake’s texture.
Q: Can I substitute the vanilla custard with whipped cream?
A: While traditional Bienenstich uses vanilla custard, some German regions do use whipped cream. For a lighter version, you can use stabilized whipped cream, but the custard provides more authentic flavor and richness.
Q: Why is my almond topping too hard or burnt?
A: The topping mixture should bubble gently, not vigorously boil. If it’s too hard, you may have cooked it too long or at too high heat. Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and bubbles.
Q: Can I freeze German Bee Sting Cake?
A: I don’t recommend freezing the assembled cake as the custard filling doesn’t freeze well. However, you can freeze the unfilled cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months, then thaw and assemble fresh.
German Bee Sting Cake represents the pinnacle of traditional German baking – a perfect marriage of textures and flavors that has delighted families for generations. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll create a dessert that’s not just delicious, but a true celebration of European baking heritage. Each slice tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing something sweet with those you love.
German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure honey
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk; let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Add yeast mixture, then flour gradually. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Make the honey-almond topping: Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, honey, and cream; stir until bubbling and golden (3–4 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in almonds. Cool.
- Assemble and bake: Punch down dough; press evenly into a greased 9-inch round pan. Spread cooled almond topping over dough. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding. Cool completely.
- Prepare custard filling: Warm milk in saucepan (do not boil). Whisk sugar, flour, and egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk warm milk into egg mixture. Return to saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (5–7 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cover surface with plastic wrap; chill until cool. Beat in softened butter until light and spreadable.
- Final assembly: Slice cooled cake horizontally in half with serrated knife. Spread custard on bottom layer, leaving 1/2-inch border. Place top layer with almond topping on custard. Press gently. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
