Imagine a cake that’s fluffy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, with a delightful crunch on top. German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) is the kind of dessert that captures everything you love about traditional European baking. This cake is a beautiful balance of soft, yeasted dough, a luscious vanilla custard filling, and a golden, honey-almond topping that adds the perfect amount of crunch and sweetness. It’s a showstopper at any gathering and totally worth the effort.

If you’ve never had a Bee Sting Cake before, prepare to be blown away by how the simple ingredients come together to create a perfectly indulgent treat. The best part? It’s a cake that you can enjoy at any time of year whether it’s for a birthday, afternoon tea, or just because you deserve something delicious.

Why You’ll Love German Bee Sting Cake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, serving it at a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: This cake is perfect for any celebration or just because. It’s sophisticated enough for a fancy dinner but comforting enough for an afternoon snack.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar, you can create a delicious, elegant cake without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: While it takes a little patience to let the dough rise, the rest of the process is surprisingly simple, and the result is definitely worth it.

Customizable: You can add a little twist by infusing the custard with other flavors, like cinnamon or vanilla bean, or even play with different nuts on top.

Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is always a hit! The soft dough, creamy filling, and crunchy topping are the perfect combination that everyone will love.

Ingredients in German Bee Sting Cake

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make this cake so special:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the soft, fluffy dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: To give the dough its light texture and lovely rise.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the other flavors.
• Salt: To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Milk: For a soft, rich dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dough.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the dough structure.

For the Custard Filling:

• Milk: The base of the rich, creamy custard.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard just the right amount.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the custard and gives it that perfect pudding-like texture.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and a deep, velvety texture to the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: For a fragrant, sweet note that complements the custard perfectly.

For the Honey-Almond Topping:

• Sliced Almonds: Provides the signature crunch and nutty flavor.
• Honey: Adds a sweet, golden glaze that ties everything together.
• Butter: For richness and a smooth, luscious topping.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this beautiful, indulgent cake:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Warm the milk until it’s just lukewarm, then add it to the dry ingredients along with the egg and melted butter. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Custard Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm, but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.

Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Honey-Almond Topping

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and honey together over low heat. Stir in the sliced almonds and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the almonds are coated and slightly toasted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Cake

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.

Spread the custard evenly over the dough, then top with the honey-almond mixture. Make sure to spread the almonds evenly across the surface of the cake.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the topping is bubbling and caramelized.

Let It Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice into this beautiful cake and enjoy the combination of soft dough, creamy custard, and crunchy almond topping. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~300

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)

How to Serve German Bee Sting Cake

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a great option for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner. It’s also perfect for serving at parties, birthdays, or gatherings with family and friends. The combination of sweet and creamy with a crunchy topping will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you want a richer custard, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
• The dough will rise best in a warm environment, so consider placing it in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
• You can make the custard filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the dough.
• Feel free to swap out the almonds for other nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios for a fun twist.
• For a more indulgent touch, drizzle extra honey over the top once the cake has cooled.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this cake without the custard filling?
You could, but the custard is what makes this cake truly special! If you prefer, you could substitute it with a layer of whipped cream.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a chilled version.

3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled cake before baking. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?
Absolutely! You can use hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans in place of almonds for a slightly different flavor.

5. Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter and milk alternative for both the dough and custard filling. You can also substitute a non-dairy cream for the custard.

6. Can I use a store-bought custard for this recipe?
You can, but homemade custard adds a much richer flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, a store-bought version will work in a pinch!

7. Can I use a different pan size?
You can use a larger or smaller pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan may result in a thinner cake, while a smaller pan could require more baking time.

8. How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
To make the topping extra crunchy, toast the almonds in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the honey mixture. This will give them a more intense flavor and crunch.

9. Can I add fruit to the cake?
You can! Try adding some fresh berries or sliced apples to the custard before assembling for a fruity twist.

10. How do I prevent the dough from rising too much?
If you’re worried about the dough rising too much, simply punch it down gently after it doubles in size and proceed with the recipe. It should still bake perfectly!

Conclusion

This German Bee Sting Cake is a true masterpiece that brings together soft, pillowy dough, creamy custard, and a crunchy, honeyed topping. It’s a cake that’s sure to impress and become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!

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