Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich Kuchen) Recipe in my kitchen—it felt like I had brought a little German bakery home. The soft yeast cake, creamy vanilla filling, and crunchy honey-almond topping completely won me over. I love how this cake looks elegant but is surprisingly comforting at the same time.

When I sliced into it and saw that creamy layer in the middle, I knew it was worth every step. If you enjoy classic European desserts, this is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. You can also enjoy similar treats like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles Recipe for a fun, no-fuss dessert.

Ingredients Section

All-purpose flour – 3 cups, provides the perfect structure while keeping the cake soft and fluffy when measured correctly.
Instant yeast – 2¼ teaspoons, works quickly and blends directly into the dough without needing separate activation.
Granulated sugar – ½ cup, adds balanced sweetness and helps activate the yeast for proper rising.
Whole milk – 1 cup (lukewarm), encourages yeast growth and keeps the crumb tender; avoid overheating.
Unsalted butter – ½ cup (softened), adds richness and moisture while allowing full control over salt levels.
Large eggs – 2, give structure and richness; room-temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the dough.
Salt – ½ teaspoon, enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, adds warmth and depth to both the cake and cream filling.
Heavy cream – 1½ cups, creates a smooth, luxurious filling; full-fat cream works best.
Cornstarch – 3 tablespoons, thickens the custard filling without making it heavy or gummy.
Honey – ¼ cup, essential for the signature sticky-sweet almond topping.
Sliced almonds – 1 cup, toast beautifully and give the cake its classic crunchy finish.
Butter (for topping) – ¼ cup, helps caramelize the almonds evenly while adding richness.

Note: This ingredient quantity makes one 9-inch German Bee Sting Cake, serving approximately 10–12 people. You might also want to try Delicious Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe for a sweet, fruity complement to this dessert.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable if you want to change things up.

You can make a dairy-free version by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and coconut cream for the filling. For a lighter sweetness, swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking. If you want extra flavor, try adding orange zest to the dough or a splash of almond extract to the cream filling for a bakery-style upgrade.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown so you can plan easily.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising and cooling)

Equipment You Need

The right tools make this recipe much easier to handle.

Mixing bowls – for preparing dough, filling, and topping
Stand mixer or hand mixer – helps knead dough and whip cream smoothly
Saucepan – used to prepare the custard filling
9-inch springform pan – makes slicing and assembling the cake simple
Spatula – for spreading filling evenly
Sharp knife – essential for clean cake layers

How to Make German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich Kuchen) Recipe?

This cake comes together in stages, and each one is simple when taken step by step.

Prepare the Yeast Dough

Start by combining flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add warm milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla, then knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size, which gives the cake its soft texture.

Bake the Cake Base

Press the risen dough evenly into a greased springform pan. Let it rest briefly while you prepare the almond topping. Baking the dough directly with the topping creates that signature golden crust.

Make the Honey Almond Topping

Melt butter, honey, and sugar in a saucepan until gently bubbling. Stir in sliced almonds and spread this mixture evenly over the dough. This step gives the cake its crunchy, caramelized finish.

Bake Until Golden

Bake the cake until the top is deep golden and the center feels set. Allow it to cool completely before slicing, as this prevents the filling from melting later.

Prepare the Cream Filling

Heat milk with vanilla and sugar, then whisk in cornstarch until thickened. Let the custard cool fully before folding in whipped cream. This creates a light but stable filling.

Assemble the Cake

Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread the cream filling generously over the bottom layer, then gently place the top layer back on. Chill before serving to set everything perfectly.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this cake several times, these tips always help me get the best result.

I always let the custard cool completely before adding cream to avoid a runny filling.
I slice the cake using a serrated knife for cleaner layers.
I chill the assembled cake for at least one hour—it makes slicing much neater.
I toast almonds lightly if I want extra crunch and flavor.

How to Serve German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich Kuchen)?

This cake shines best when served slightly chilled, allowing the cream to hold its shape. I like dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar for a classic look. Serve it with coffee or tea for an authentic German bakery experience. For special occasions, garnish plates with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for added elegance.

Nutritional Information

This cake is rich and satisfying, perfect for a treat.

Calories: Approximately 420 per slice
Protein: About 7g per serving
Carbohydrates: Around 45g per slice
Fat: Roughly 24g per serving

Make Ahead and Storage

This cake is surprisingly convenient to prepare in advance.

You can bake the cake base a day ahead and store it wrapped at room temperature. The cream filling can also be prepared separately and refrigerated until assembly.

Store the fully assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent the cream from absorbing odors.

For freezing, freeze only the cake base without filling for up to 1 month. Thaw, then fill and assemble fresh for best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this cake becomes a favorite after the first bite.

It combines soft cake, creamy filling, and crunchy topping in one dessert.
The recipe looks impressive but is very achievable at home.
You can customize sweetness, dairy options, and flavors easily.
It’s perfect for celebrations, tea time, or weekend baking projects.
The traditional German flavors make it feel special and nostalgic.

Ben Carraoli