This Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) is a stunning dessert with old-world charm and modern-day appeal. It’s a light, fluffy yeasted cake split in half and filled with silky vanilla pastry cream, topped with a caramelized honey-almond glaze that crackles under the fork.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, brunch table, or just to try something special, this cake is a showstopper that looks elegant and tastes like a dream.
Why I Love This Recipe
Bienenstich is equal parts soft, crunchy, sweet, and creamy. The dough has just enough chew to hold up to the rich filling, which combines classic pastry cream with stabilized whipped cream for a cloud-like texture. And the almond topping? It’s honeyed, golden, and sticky in all the right ways.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is totally doable with some planning. The reward? One of the most unique and satisfying cakes you’ll ever make.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Cooking spray
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup bread flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (¼ oz) packet instant yeast
- ½ tsp kosher salt
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk, divided
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tsp water
- ¾ tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
- ¾ cup cold heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
For the Almond Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup sliced almonds
Swaps and Notes
- No vanilla bean paste? Substitute with 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Make-ahead tips: The cake, cream, and topping can all be made in advance and assembled later.
- Serving tip: Use a serrated knife to slice for clean layers.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Bee Sting Cake
1. Make the Yeasted Cake Dough
- Melt butter with milk until just warm (110°F), then add to stand mixer bowl.
- Add lightly beaten eggs, flours, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Knead with dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth but sticky.
- Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until puffy (about 1 hour).
2. Make the Pastry Cream
- Heat ¾ cup milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until just simmering.
- In another bowl, whisk ¼ cup milk, remaining sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Temper hot milk into yolks, then return to pan and whisk until thickened.
- Whisk in butter, then strain through fine mesh sieve.
- Press plastic wrap onto surface and chill for 1+ hour.
3. Bake the Cake
- Press risen dough into greased and parchment-lined 8–9” round pan. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
- While it rises, make the topping.
4. Make the Almond Topping
- Simmer butter, honey, sugar, vanilla, salt in a saucepan.
- Stir in almonds, then spread on top of risen dough.
- Bake at 350°F for 30–32 minutes until golden.
- Cool in pan for 20 mins, then turn out onto wire rack to cool fully.
5. Make the Whipped Pastry Filling
- Bloom gelatin in water, then melt gently.
- Whip cold cream and powdered sugar, slowly adding melted gelatin.
- Beat chilled pastry cream until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.
6. Assemble the Cake
- Slice cake horizontally with serrated knife.
- Spread filling over the bottom half. Let sit for 2 minutes to settle.
- Place top half back on and refrigerate for 1 hour to set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the second rise—it gives the cake its signature airy texture.
- Let the almond topping cool slightly before flipping the cake to prevent sticking.
- Chill before slicing for clean, defined layers.
- Use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts for picture-perfect slices.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Finish your dessert table or brunch spread with these complementary favorites:
- Big Family Banana Pudding for another creamy classic
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies to bring the nostalgia
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie for a rich, simple crowd-pleaser
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites as a grab-and-go sweet
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies to add a seasonal flair
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices without filling; thaw and assemble later.
- Make ahead: All components can be made a day in advance and assembled before serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy layered textures, creamy fillings, and classic comfort desserts:
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Final Thoughts
This Bee Sting Cake is a true labor of love—a beautiful balance of light yeasted cake, silky filling, and golden almond crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, tea party, or just to try something uniquely delicious, it’s a bake that feels luxurious and unforgettable.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac with your bee-sting-worthy slice! And follow for more globally-inspired desserts that are big on flavor and perfect for sharing.
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