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There are so many delicious options to choose from when it comes to cake. But sometimes, you just want something a little bit different. That’s where German Bienenstich comes in. This delicious “bee sting” cake is full of flavor and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So if you’re looking for a unique and tasty treat, give German Bienenstich a try!
German Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)
Another German dessert favorite is the German Bienenstich or the Bee Sting Cake. You’ll love this unique cake if you’re a fan of honey and almond flavors. No need to fly off to German to enjoy one of the famous desserts. This traditional cake is made with yeasted dough and filled with vanilla custard cream. The top of the cake is coated in a honey-almond glaze, which gives it its signature bee sting effect. You can easily do this in the comforts of your kitchen, easy and hassle-free!
What are German Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake) and Its Origin
According to research, the name of this traditional dessert was derived from the baker’s experience. It was said that he was stung by a bee while baking it because of its honey-glazed topping. Also, another version of the story is about the German bakers who are said to have successfully repelled intruders from a nearby village by throwing beehives at them. They then celebrated by making a cake that held their name. But whatever its origin and what it is called, this dish will definitely become a household staple when tasted.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike the typical cake we have probably all tasted, this one is not on the lighter side. Instead of light, soft and fluffy, this resembles more to pastry because it consists of thin layers of yeasted cake. In between two layers, it is filled with creamy vanilla custard cream. Another distinct characteristic of this cake is the top layer, which is fully coated with almond and honey syrup. The texture will be a combination of dense, creamy, sweet, buttery, and crispy on top. If you will ask me- this is one mouthful experience.
Variation and Substitutions
- You can alter this cake in a few ways to suit your preferences more, or you may find it challenging to find some of the ingredients in your area.
- Depending on your choice, you can use vanilla sugar or vanilla extract. However, vanilla extract is more accessible in all areas than vanilla sugar. But if you want to feel a little extra, you can use a vanilla pod for a more intense flavor.
- There are areas where you can’t find instant vanilla pudding mix. You can make one from scratch or simply omit it from the recipe and use pure whipped cream only. The primary purpose of the pudding mix is to stabilize the filling, but it will not affect the taste if you remove it entirely.
- You can adjust the amount of honey and almonds to the topping if you prefer a more intense honey flavor.
- For baking pans, you can also use a square or rectangular pan that will suit the amount of the recipe. If you want a taller cake, aim for a smaller pan. Also, slice the cake lengthwise when it is cool enough to handle.
German Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)
Ingredients
Yeast Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour extra for dusting
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp yeast instant-dry
- pinch salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup milk
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup almonds slivered
Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp vanilla pudding powder optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine ingredients with a wooden spoon to make a soft dough into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add a little bit more flour until your fingers can handle it without sticking.
- In the bowl, knead the dough 5–7 times or until it appears and feels smooth.
- Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes while it is covered with a cloth.
- Then proceed to preheat the oven to 350F/176C.
Honey-Almond Glaze:
- Melt butter, honey, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a pot over medium-low heat to produce the honey almond topping. Add the cream when the butter has melted, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the almond slivers and, after turning off the stove and the vanilla extract, The topping should be kept warm until it is time to use it.
Baking and Slicing:
- Using a spring form pan or any preferred baking pan, put the dough and press it evenly and poke holes in the dough using a fork many times.
- Spread the honey-almond glaze topping evenly over the dough after pouring it on. Roughly 30 minutes of baking (check at 25 minutes and then bake 5-7 minutes longer as needed). When finished, the topping will be golden brown.
- Remove it from the pan and allow it to cool down before slicing it lengthwise using a serrated knife.
Custard Cream Filling:
- To make the filling, combine everything in a mixer.
- Whip it until stiff peaks.
- Once done, spread a generous amount of custard cream on top of the bottom layer.
- Cover it with the top layer of the cake.
- Chill it for at least 1 hour to set, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Dessert Recipe
Love healthy baking recipes? You could try these simple recipes at home to impress your loved ones. Perfect for after-meal treats, coffee, and tea parties with friends and family!
Streuselkuchen – Crumb Cake Recipe
To Wrap It All Up
Compared to many other cakes, German Bienenstich or the Bee Sting Cake is pretty simple. I hope you’ll give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for baking something sweet–I’m sure your friends and family will love it as much as mine do! As always, let me know how it turns out.
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