Indulge in the irresistible charm of German Bienenstich, or Bee Sting Cake, a classic dessert that harmoniously blends light, airy dough with a luscious vanilla custard filling and a tantalizing honey-almond topping. This traditional treat starts with a soft, yeast-based cake, baked to golden perfection and crowned with a caramelized mixture of sliced almonds and honey that delivers a delightful crunch. The creamy filling, made from velvety custard folded with whipped cream, creates a luxurious contrast to the chewy, nutty topping. Perfect for special occasions, teas, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this authentic German dessert is a show-stopper that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy bakery in Bavaria.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (not boiling) and then combine it with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let it rest for 10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease an 8-inch round springform pan.
Press the risen dough into the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
In a saucepan, prepare the honey-almond topping by melting butter over medium heat. Add sugar, honey, and cream, stirring until smooth. Mix in the sliced almonds and cook for 1-2 minutes, then let it cool slightly. Spread evenly over the risen dough.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan before slicing.
To prepare the filling, whisk together the custard powder (or cornstarch), sugar, and a splash of milk to form a paste. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan until warm, then whisk in the custard paste. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Mix in vanilla extract and let cool completely.
Whip the cream until stiff peaks form and fold it into the cooled custard, creating a smooth filling.
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it horizontally into two layers. Spread the custard filling over the bottom layer and place the top layer back on carefully.
Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy your Bienenstich!
Calories |
3610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 182.9 g | 234% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.5 g | 442% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 610 mg | 203% | |
| Sodium | 466 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 435.0 g | 158% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 205.1 g | ||
| Protein | 67.4 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.5 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 858 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 1727 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.