If you’re on the lookout for an indulgent dessert that will wow your family and friends, look no further! German Bee Sting Cake, or Bienenstich, is the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its delightful layers of honey-sweetened cake, creamy custard, and a caramelized almond topping, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s just as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love German Bee Sting Cake
Imagine whipping up a cake that not only tastes divine but also makes your kitchen smell like a bakery in a fairy tale. German Bee Sting Cake is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or even a special treat for those hectic weekdays when you need a little pick-me-up (trust me, we all have those days). Plus, the recipe is broken down into simple steps, making it approachable for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros!
The Sweet Ingredients
Before we leap into the baking magic, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this luscious German Bee Sting Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Topping:
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Steps to Deliciousness
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the milk, butter, and sugar. Warm gently until just warm to the touch. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Then, add in eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead & Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Perfect time to tidy up or catch up on your favorite show!
- Make the Custard: While the dough is rising, you can whip up the custard. In a saucepan, combine milk and sugar over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and egg yolks. Gradually add some of the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture to temper it, then return it all to the saucepan. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Add vanilla and butter, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Topping: In another pan, melt butter, and add honey and sliced almonds. Cook over medium heat until the almonds are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them—no one likes a burnt offering!
- Assemble the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your risen dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooled custard evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the almond topping on the custard. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
- Serve & Enjoy: Cut into squares or triangles, and indulge! The combination of flavors and textures will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Tips for Success
- Don’t fret if your custard isn’t perfectly smooth; a little texture adds charm!
- If you’re short on time, you can prep the custard ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Feel free to mix and match toppings—maybe add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for that extra cozy vibe.
Personal Anecdote
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this cake for family gatherings. It became a celebrity in our household after my kids declared it their favorite dessert. You know you’re winning as a mom when your children start requesting cake as a school birthday treat instead of cupcakes!
FAQs About German Bee Sting Cake
Can I substitute the milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk or oat milk works just fine, although you might miss some of that creamy goodness.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any crumbs left (though I doubt it!), just cover the cake with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. Enjoy it within a few days for the best taste!
What if I don’t have sliced almonds?
No almonds? No problem! You can use chopped walnuts or pecans for a different yet equally delicious crunch.
German Bee Sting Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition and a treat that promises to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, this cake is a sweet reminder of the joys that life—and baking—can bring. So, here’s to many happy baking adventures—now go on and create some cherished memories in your kitchen!
For more delightful recipes like this one, check out
Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake
or our delicious
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake You’ll Love
for more flavor adventures!
German Bee Sting Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
German Bee Sting Cake, or Bienenstich, is an indulgent dessert featuring layers of honey-sweetened cake, creamy custard, and a caramelized almond topping, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (for custard)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for custard)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for custard)
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine milk, butter, and sugar. Warm gently until just warm to the touch. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add in eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, combine milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and egg yolks.
- Gradually add some of the warm milk mixture to egg mixture to temper it, then return it all to saucepan. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Add vanilla and butter, then set aside to cool.
- Melt butter in another pan, add honey and sliced almonds. Cook over medium heat until the almonds are golden and fragrant.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out risen dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cooled custard evenly over dough, then sprinkle almond topping on custard.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
- Cut into squares or triangles, and enjoy!
Notes
If short on time, prepare the custard ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Feel free to mix and match toppings, such as adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg