A dense German sponge or yeast dough cake with a vanilla pudding buttercream filling and a caramelized almond topping.

What is a Bee Sting Cake?

Bienenstich (bee sting) is one of the most well-known traditional German cakes, that is prepared in a sheet cake form. Though it can be considered a classic, there is no official recipe, but instead there are countless tasty variations, though every house wife has her own secret favorite.

The base for the cake can be a yeast dough or a regular sponge mixture. Both variations however are filled with a tender pudding cream and have a crunchy caramelised side of a sugar-almond mixture.

How is Bee Sting Cake called in German?

Bee sting cake is called "Bienenstich".

How to pronounce "Bienenstich"?

Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Bienenstich" in German.

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The name “Bienenstich” has a great myth behind it. According to the myth, there was a great fight in 1474 between inhabitants of the cities Linz on the Rhein and their neighbouring city Andersnach. This fight was set off by emperor Frederic III., who transferred the Rhein custom fees from Linz to Andersnach. This made the people of Linz angry, and they decided to attack those in Andersnach in the early hours of the morning.

Two young boys from Andersnach happened to be walking along the town wall at this time, eating honey from a bee hive hanging close by. As they saw the attackers they threw the bee hives at them. Chased by swarms of bees, being stung as they ran, the people of Linz fled. The people of Andersnach celebrated. In honour of their victory, they served a particularly delicious cake, which was named after the genius trick “Bienenstich” (bee sting).

How to make German Bee Sting Cake Video Tutorial

Authentic German Bee Sting Cake Recipe

Recipe

Bee Sting Sponge Cake

Angela Schofield

4.73 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Cuisine German

Servings Cake

Ingredients

Batter:

5 large eggs
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 pinch of salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup almond flour
½ cup corn starch
1 tsp. baking powder
4 tbsp. butter

Topping:

¾ cup almond slices
6 tbsp. butter
¼ cup sugar
5 tbsp. honey

Filling:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 packages vanilla pudding

Instructions

Melt butter and set aside.
Beat eggs, sugar, and salt for about 10 min. on highest setting of your kitchen blender.
Combine flour, almond flour, corn starch and baking powder and sift into the bowl with the egg mixture.
Fold in carefully on the lowest mixer setting or by hand.
Add melted butter and mix carefully.
Line the bottom of a springform pan with baking paper.
Add the batter and sprinkle with almonds.
Bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 min.
Melt butter, sugar and honey in a small pot.
Pour over the warm cake.
Let the cake cool completely.
Mix the heavy whipping cream with the instant pudding mix.
Cut cake into two halves and fill with pudding mix.
Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar.