Authentic German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)

Name: Authentic German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 egg yolks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons butter

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the delightful flavors of this traditional German dessert with a homemade Bee Sting Cake recipe. This irresistible treat features a soft, buttery yeast cake layered with rich pastry cream and topped with a crunchy almond caramel glaze. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet ending to any meal, Bienenstich is sure to impress your family and friends.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2025-12-09T02:27:31.143Z

This traditional German dessert, known as Bienenstich, is loved for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The name translates to 'Bee Sting Cake', and while the origins are not entirely clear, it has become a staple in German baking.

The History of Bee Sting Cake

Originating from Germany, Bienenstich, or Bee Sting Cake, has a rich culinary heritage that dates back several centuries. Traditionally, this delightful dessert was prepared for special occasions and celebrations. Its name is said to come from a legend about a baker who was stung by a bee while making the cake. The combination of sweet, creamy filling and a crunchy almond topping reflects the charm of German baking, making it a beloved staple in many households across the nation.

Bee Sting Cake's distinctive flavor and texture set it apart from other desserts. The balance between the soft yeast cake, smooth pastry cream, and crunchy caramelized almonds creates an exquisite taste experience. Each bite captures the essence of traditional German recipes, allowing you to enjoy a piece of history and culture in every slice.

Perfect for Celebrations

Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just a special gathering, Bee Sting Cake elevates the occasion with its impressive appearance and delicious flavor. Its layered structure and beautiful almond topping make it a showstopper at any dessert table. When you slice into this cake, the rich pastry cream reveals itself, tempting guests to enjoy a piece.

This cake can easily be personalized with variations like adding fruit fillings or flavored creams, making it versatile enough for any event. Regardless of how you choose to enhance it, Bienenstich remains a delightful choice that your friends and family will cherish and remember.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Bee Sting Cake is all about presentation and pairing. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple, elegant touch, while fresh fruit such as berries can complement the sweetness. The cake is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the flavors and making it a perfect afternoon treat.

For those who love a bit of flair, consider serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake. This addition will create a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures, providing an indulgent experience that everyone's taste buds will appreciate.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 cup milk, warmed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Pastry Cream

2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Topping

1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons butter

Make sure to gather all ingredients and have them at room temperature for best results.

Steps to Prepare

Prepare the Yeast Cake

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Add melted butter, egg, and salt, and mix well. Gradually add flour until smooth.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Make the Pastry Cream

In a saucepan, heat milk with sugar. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch together.

Slowly add hot milk to egg mixture, whisking continuously, then return to the saucepan.

Cook until thickened, then stir in vanilla and butter.

Assemble the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the dough into a greased baking pan.

Add pastry cream and cover with remaining dough. Let rise again for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Topping

In a saucepan, melt butter and honey, stir in almonds. Spread over the risen cake.

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious German Bee Sting Cake with friends and family!

Nutritional Information

While Bee Sting Cake is undeniably a treat, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional aspects. This cake offers a decent balance of carbohydrates and fats, thanks to the buttery dough and creamy filling. However, being a dessert, it does contain sugars, so moderation is key when indulging in this delightful German classic.

Each slice provides a range of nutrients from the eggs and milk used in the pastry cream, as well as protein from the flour. For those looking to enjoy this cake guilt-free, consider pairing it with a fresh side of fruit or a lighter, herbal tea to balance out the sweetness.

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness and quality of your Bee Sting Cake, proper storage is essential. Once the cake is fully cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its moistness and prevent it from absorbing odors from your fridge.

Bee Sting Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you're planning to keep it longer, consider freezing it without the topping. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and add the almond topping just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.