🐝 How To Make German Bee Sting Cake

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An Authentic Bienenstich Recipe That’s Sweet, Creamy, and Irresistibly Crunchy

Introduction: What Is a German Bee Sting Cake?

If you’ve never heard of German Bee Sting Cake—or Bienenstich in German—prepare to fall in love with a dessert that’s both luxurious and homey. With its soft, buttery yeast cake layers, rich vanilla pastry cream, and a crunchy honey-almond topping, this cake strikes the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence.
The name? Legend says the cake was named after a baker who was stung by a bee attracted to its honey topping. Whether true or not, the cake itself is no myth—it’s real, and it’s divine.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make German Bee Sting Cake from scratch, tips for nailing each layer, and how to store it (if it even lasts that long). Ready to create a slice of German heritage in your kitchen? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Bee Sting Cake

• ✅ Creamy and Crunchy: That almond-honey top is everything.

• ✅ Perfect for Special Occasions: Or just a rainy Sunday.

• ✅ Authentic Yet Simple: Traditional flavor without complicated steps.

Whether you’re baking for your family, a potluck, or a Pinterest-worthy dessert spread, this cake is guaranteed to wow.

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📝 Key Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Yeast Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Honey Almond Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 3/4 cup sliced almonds

For the Vanilla Cream Filling:

• 2 cups milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 4 egg yolks

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (optional, for extra fluffiness)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.

2. Prepare the Honey Almond Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add sugar, honey, and cream. Stir until everything is dissolved and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in sliced almonds. Let it cool.

3. Bake the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a springform pan (9-inch) with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and press it into the bottom of the pan.

Spoon the cooled honey almond topping over the dough gently. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

4. Make the Vanilla Cream Filling

In a saucepan, heat milk until hot (not boiling). In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour in the hot milk while whisking, then return to the pot.

Cook on medium-low, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Let cool. For a fluffier filling, whip the cream and fold it into the custard once cooled.

5. Assemble the Cake

Slice the cake horizontally into two layers using a serrated knife. Spread the vanilla filling generously on the bottom layer. Place the top (honey-almond side up) back on top.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow everything to set. Slice and enjoy!

💡 Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the resting time: The dough and cream both need time to develop their full flavors.

• Use a serrated knife for a clean horizontal cut.

• Chill before slicing to keep the cream from oozing out.

🍯 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• The cake can be made a day in advance—assemble it the night before and chill.

• You can freeze the cake layers (without cream) for up to 1 month.

🇩🇪 A Bit of Bee Sting Cake History

Bienenstich dates back to at least the 15th century. It’s said that German bakers celebrated a military victory with a sweet cake made from what they had: flour, honey, and cream. Whether fact or folklore, one thing is certain—this cake remains a cherished staple in German baking.

🧁 Pair It With…

• A hot cappuccino ☕

• Fresh berries 🍓

• A drizzle of extra honey for added sweetness 🍯

📌 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines comfort, history, and texture, the German Bee Sting Cake is a must-try. With just a few steps and everyday ingredients, you can create something truly spectacular—right in your own kitchen.

So now that you know how to make German Bee Sting Cake, what are you waiting for? Go grab your apron and bake your way to sweet victory. And don’t forget to share your creation on Pinterest and tag us—we’d love to see your version of this iconic dessert!

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