German Bee Sting Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together a golden, buttery almond crust with a soft, honey-sweetened cream filling. This traditional German cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or an afternoon treat with coffee. The unique combination of textures and flavors makes the German Bee Sting Cake a standout dessert that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich almond crust paired with sweet cream filling creates a mouth-watering taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this cake.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a cozy family gathering.
- Impressive Presentation: Its beautiful layers and glossy almond topping make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To create your own German Bee Sting Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering these items beforehand will make the baking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking pan (9×13-inch)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Baking Pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and easy removal of the cake.
- Whisk: Perfect for whipping cream and mixing batter to achieve the right consistency.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for almond topping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How to Make German Bee Sting Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water; let it sit for about five minutes until foamy.
- Heat milk, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted; stir occasionally.
- Add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture along with activated yeast, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
- Mix until a dough begins to form.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm place for about one hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare Almond Topping
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in honey, heavy cream, and sliced almonds; cook for 3–4 minutes until smooth and slightly toasted.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once risen, gently punch down dough; transfer it to a greased baking pan.
- Spread dough evenly in pan to cover bottom completely.
- Pour almond mixture over dough; spread out evenly with spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Make Cream Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Step 8: Layer the Cake
- Carefully cut cooled cake in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Spread whipped cream filling evenly over bottom layer.
- Place top half on whipped cream layer; press down gently.
Step 9: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate cake for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully! Enjoy your delicious German Bee Sting Cake!
How to Serve German Bee Sting Cake
German Bee Sting Cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering. Serving it with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavors and make your experience even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Sliced Peaches: Their sweetness pairs well with the creamy filling.
With Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: A rich espresso complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
- Herbal Tea: Try chamomile or mint tea for a soothing pairing.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mini Pastries: Include other small desserts like éclairs or macarons for variety.
- Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate adds an indulgent touch to the platter.
How to Perfect German Bee Sting Cake
Perfecting your German Bee Sting Cake requires attention to detail and some helpful tips to ensure it turns out just right. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh eggs and high-quality butter for richer flavor.
- Let Dough Rise Properly: Ensure the dough doubles in size for a light and fluffy texture.
- Cool Before Filling: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream filling to prevent melting.
- Whip Cream Carefully: Avoid over-whipping; aim for soft peaks to maintain a smooth texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake after assembling for at least an hour for optimal flavor melding.

Best Side Dishes for German Bee Sting Cake
Pairing your German Bee Sting Cake with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over each slice intensifies the flavors.
- Custard Sauce: Serve with warm custard for a classic touch that pairs beautifully.
- Meringue Cookies: Light meringues offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the cake.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds richness and extra sweetness to each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making German Bee Sting Cake can be a delightful experience, but certain missteps can hinder your results. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Not proofing the yeast properly: Make sure your yeast is fresh and that it foams when dissolved in warm water. If it doesn’t foam, your dough won’t rise.
- Skipping the kneading step: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the cake structure. Take the time to knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Using cold ingredients: Ingredients like milk and eggs should be at room temperature to ensure a uniform batter and proper rising. Plan ahead and let them sit out before you start.
- Overbaking the cake: Keep an eye on the baking time. A golden-brown top indicates doneness, but a toothpick test ensures it’s cooked through without being dry.
- Not allowing enough cooling time: Don’t rush the cooling process before adding the cream filling. Letting it cool properly helps maintain the structure of the layers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover German Bee Sting Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing German Bee Sting Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months; just make sure to label them!
Reheating German Bee Sting Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can affect texture.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes, checking occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is German Bee Sting Cake?
German Bee Sting Cake is a traditional dessert featuring a sweet cream filling between layers of fluffy cake topped with toasted almonds and honey.
Can I customize my German Bee Sting Cake?
Absolutely! You can add fruits like strawberries or change the filling flavor by incorporating cocoa or coffee into the whipped cream.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when its top turns golden brown, and inserting a toothpick into the center comes out clean.
What can I serve with my German Bee Sting Cake?
This delightful dessert pairs well with fresh fruits, coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for added sweetness.
Final Thoughts
German Bee Sting Cake is a unique blend of flavors that captivates every palate. Its versatility allows for creative adaptations while maintaining its classic charm. Whether enjoyed for special occasions or as an everyday treat, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try making it your own!

German Bee Sting Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
German Bee Sting Cake, or ‘Bienenstich,’ is a classic German dessert that delights the senses with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The cake features a buttery almond crust, a light honey-sweetened cream filling, and a glossy almond topping that transforms it into an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion. Perfect for celebrations or simply enjoyed with coffee in the afternoon, this irresistible treat is sure to impress both family and friends alike. With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert at home.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- For Topping: 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water; let sit until foamy.
- Heat milk, sugar, and butter until melted; mix with flour mixture along with eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to form dough.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl covered for about one hour or until doubled.
- Prepare almond topping by melting butter and stirring in honey, cream, and almonds; cook for several minutes.
- Spread risen dough in a greased baking pan; pour almond mixture over top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool cake before cutting horizontally; layer whipped cream filling between slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream filling to avoid melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to two months.

