German Bee Sting (Bienenstich) Recipe

The German Bee Sting Cake is not just a dessert, it's a sweet journey into a whimsical past, each layer telling tales of olden valor, each bite a tribute to traditional baking mastery

Indulge in the classic German Bee Sting Cake, known for its delightful blend of textures and flavors. The tender brioche dough pairs wonderfully with a creamy filling and a crunchy honey-almond topping.

Ingredients:

• Pastry Cream:

  • Milk - 1 1/4 cup

  • Egg yolks - 3 large

  • Sugar - 1/4 cup granulated

  • Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons

  • Liqueur (optional) - 1/2 tablespoon

  • Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon

• Brioche Dough:

  • Whole milk - 1/4 cup

  • Honey - 1 tablespoon

  • Active dry yeast - 1 1/2 teaspoon

  • Eggs - 2 Large

  • Sugar - 2 table spoons granulated

  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon

  • All-purpose flour - 3/4 cup

  • Bread flour - 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons

  • Butter - 1/2 cup unsalted

• Honey-Almond Topping:

  • Butter - 1/4 cup unsalted

  • Sugar - 1/4 cup

  • Honey - 1/4 cup

  • Pinch of sale

  • Almonds - 3/4 cup

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Pastry Cream:

   • Begin by heating the milk until it's on the verge of boiling. Gradually add this to the egg mixture while whisking to avoid curdling. Transfer it back to the saucepan and cook until it thickens, stirring continuously. Stir in the liqueur (if using) and vanilla, then transfer to a bowl, covering with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Allow it to cool or refrigerate if not using immediately.

2. Creating the Brioche Dough:

   • Warm milk and honey to 110°F, then stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes. Add eggs, sugar, salt, and a mix of all-purpose and bread flour to the yeast mixture, combining until just mixed. Incorporate softened butter until just blended. Transfer dough to a buttered bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled. Knead gently, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

3. Making the Honey-Almond Topping:

   • Begin by combining the butter, sugar, honey, and salt in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop. Once it's well-combined, take the saucepan off the heat and fold in the almonds. Proceed to pour this mixture evenly over the dough situated in a pan. Place this pan on a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper or foil to catch any drips. Now, position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, bake the concoction for about 22 to 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and bubbly. After baking, place the pan on a cooling rack, letting it cool for 10 minutes. Finally, remove the baked goods from the Springform Pan and set it aside to cool down completely before serving or storing.

4. Assembling the Cake:

   • Begin by placing the cake on a rotating cake stand, taking a serrated knife to create an initial cut line midway through the cake as you gently rotate the stand. Continue this rotating motion, gradually allowing the knife to cut deeper into the cake until it is completely sliced in half. With the cake now halved, spread a layer of pastry cream over one half, ensuring to leave a narrow edge untouched. Carefully place the top layer back onto the cream-covered bottom layer. Once assembled, the cake is ready to be served alongside a comforting cup of coffee or tea, making for a delightful treat.

Experience the sweetness and crunch of this traditional German dessert right in your home. The German Bee Sting Cake is sure to become a cherished recipe for special occasions.

The Buzzworthy History of German Bee Sting Cake:

The German Bee Sting Cake, or Bienenstich, has a tale as sweet and intriguing as its honey-infused crust. Legend whispers that back in the 15th century, German bakers from a small village were victorious in thwarting invaders. Their secret weapon? Bees from their beehives, which were hurled at the foes, causing a sting of defeat. To commemorate this victory, the bakers crafted a cake resembling a bee’s hive crowned with a honey glaze, thus christening it the Bee Sting Cake.

The tale, drizzled with humor and bravery, carries a hint of sweetness with a dash of heroic essence, much like the cake's tender brioche, creamy filling, and crunchy honey-almond topping. Every bite is a homage to the whimsical past, a delightful fusion of history and taste.

This legendary dessert has buzzed its way through time, creating a hive of admirers wherever it's served. It’s not just a cake, but a slice of history, sweetened with tales of valor and topped with the nectar of triumph. So, each time you indulge in a slice of German Bee Sting Cake, you're not just treating your taste buds, but also buzzing through a sweet, heroic saga from the annals of German folklore.