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German Bienenstich (Bee-Sting Cake)

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A classic German dessert made with soft yeast cake, a crunchy caramelized honey-almond topping, and a luscious vanilla cream filling.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 cups whole milk (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream (whipped, folded into custard)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit until foamy. Mix in sugar, egg, butter, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic.
  2. Cover and let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  3. For topping, melt butter, honey, and sugar in a saucepan. Stir in sliced almonds and let cool slightly.
  4. Press risen dough into a greased 9-inch round pan. Spread almond mixture evenly over the dough.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and topping is bubbling. Cool completely.
  6. Prepare pastry cream by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat milk until simmering, then slowly whisk into yolk mixture. Return to heat, whisking until thickened. Stir in vanilla and let cool completely.
  7. Whip heavy cream and fold into cooled pastry cream to make a light filling.
  8. Slice cooled cake horizontally. Spread filling over bottom half, then replace top half with almond crust facing up.
  9. Refrigerate until set. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Notes

  • Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1–2 days.
  • Allow cake to come to room temperature before serving so topping stays crisp.
  • Pastry cream can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.
  • A springform pan works best for even baking and easy removal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/german-bienenstich-bee-sting-cake/