German Bee Sting Cake Recipe (Bienenstich Kuchen)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors: soft, slightly sweet bread-like cake, luscious vanilla cream, and a crunchy caramelized almond topping. It’s perfect for special occasions, afternoon coffee, or just when you want to treat yourself. While it does take some time, the steps are straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

The Dough
2/3 cup milk, warm
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons dry instant yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch of salt
1/3 cup butter, room temperature
1 medium-sized egg, room temperature

The Pudding-Cream Filling
2 cups milk
1 package instant pudding, vanilla (approximately 1/2 cup pudding powder)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream or 1/2 cup butter

The Almond Topping
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 cups sliced almonds

Directions

1. Warm the milk until slightly warm but not hot.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, dry yeast, and sugar. Add warm milk and vanilla extract, then mix.

3. Knead in butter and egg until smooth, about 5 minutes. Adjust with flour or milk if needed.

4. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm, draft-free spot.

5. Prepare pudding according to package directions with milk and vanilla extract. Cover and set aside.

6. In a saucepan, melt butter with sugar, honey, and cream. Stir in almonds and let cool.

7. Grease a 13.5 x 9.5-inch baking pan. Roll out risen dough to fit and place in pan. Rest for 15 minutes.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almond topping over dough.

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

10. Whip cream or butter for the filling and fold or mix into pudding.

11. Slice cooled cake into quarters, then cut each quarter horizontally.

12. Spread filling on the bottom halves, pre-cut the almond tops, and place them back on.

13. Chill for 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant for a richer flavor.

• Swap almonds for hazelnuts or pecans for a different nutty profile.

• Add a splash of rum or almond extract to the filling for extra depth.

• Use whipped butter for a denser filling or cream for a lighter texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Bienenstich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This cake is not ideal for reheating in the oven, but you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

What does Bienenstich mean?

Bienenstich translates to “bee sting” in German, possibly referencing the honey in the topping.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I freeze Bienenstich?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the filling for up to 2 months. Add the filling after thawing.

What type of almonds should I use?

Use sliced almonds for the traditional crunchy topping.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet, balanced by the slightly yeasty dough.

Can I use fresh yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but adjust according to package conversions and dissolve it in warm milk before adding.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

How do I prevent the almonds from burning?

Bake on the middle rack and check towards the end of baking time.

Can I make it gluten-free?

You can try with a gluten-free yeast dough mix, but texture may vary.

Do I have to chill the cake before serving?

Yes, chilling helps the filling firm up and makes slicing cleaner.

Conclusion

Bienenstich is a true German classic that combines soft, fluffy yeast cake with rich vanilla cream and a caramelized almond topping. While it requires some time and care, the end result is an impressive dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. Perfect for gatherings or special treats, it’s a cake that’s worth every minute of effort.