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
Scale
- 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