Classic German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)
Introduction
The Bee Sting Cake, or Bienenstich, is a beloved German dessert that combines soft, yeasted cake with a crunchy honey‑almond topping and a luscious vanilla cream filling. Its name comes from the sweet honey glaze that’s said to be “as tempting as a bee’s sting.” This cake is a showstopper for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to impress with a traditional European treat.
Ingredients
Yeast Cake Base
2 cups all‑purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp salt
1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
Honey Almond Topping
⅓ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup sugar
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp heavy cream
½ cup sliced almonds
Vanilla Cream Filling
2 cups milk
⅓ cup sugar
1 packet vanilla pudding mix (or 3 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tsp vanilla)
1 egg yolk
½ cup heavy cream, whipped
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Make Dough
Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, butter, and egg. Knead into a soft dough.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
Shape & Rise Again
Press dough into a greased 9‑inch springform pan. Let rise for 30 minutes.
Prepare Topping
Melt butter, stir in sugar, honey, and cream. Boil for 1 minute.
Stir in almonds and spread over dough.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Make Filling
Cook pudding with milk, sugar, and yolk until thickened. Cool.
Fold in whipped cream for a silky custard.
Assemble Cake
Slice cooled cake horizontally. Fill with custard, replace top, and chill before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Texture boost: Toast almonds before adding to topping.
Flavor twist: Add lemon zest to custard for brightness.
Make ahead: Bake cake and prepare filling separately, then assemble the next day.
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 3 days.
Variations
Chocolate Bee Sting: Add cocoa powder to custard for a chocolate filling.
Fruit Layer: Spread raspberry jam under the custard for a fruity surprise.
Mini Bienenstich: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes + rise
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 8 servings
Difficulty: Medium
Final Thoughts
The Classic German Bee Sting Cake is a masterpiece of contrasts — soft cake, crunchy honeyed almonds, and creamy custard. It’s a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant, making it a timeless centerpiece for gatherings.