Bee Sting Bars – Clara quick dinners

Bee Sting Bars are a deliciously rich dessert inspired by the classic German “Bienenstich” cake. These bars combine a soft, buttery base with a luscious honey-almond caramel topping, creating the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet. They’re simpler to make than the traditional layered cake but deliver all the same irresistible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bee Sting Bars are a unique twist on a beloved European dessert, and they’re surprisingly easy to make in bar form. You get the indulgent flavor of honey and toasted almonds on top of a soft, cake-like base—all without the hassle of yeast or layering. These bars are great for sharing, packing, or keeping on hand for a sweet treat any time of day.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the base:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

For the topping:

• Unsalted butter
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Sliced almonds
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix wet ingredients into dry until well combined.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with honey and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in sliced almonds and cook for another minute.
7. Pour the almond-honey topping over the batter and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Coconut twist: Add shredded coconut to the almond topping for extra texture.
• Lemon zest: Add lemon zest to the base batter for a fresh flavor boost.
• Chocolate drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
• Add a filling: Spread a thin layer of pastry cream or custard over the base before adding the almond topping for a more authentic “bee sting” experience.

storage/reheating

Store Bee Sting Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature. These bars are best enjoyed at room temp but can be warmed slightly in the microwave for a softer bite.

FAQs

What are Bee Sting Bars?

Bee Sting Bars are a simplified version of the German Bienenstich cake, made in bar form with a cake-like base and a honey-almond topping.

Can I make them nut-free?

You can try sunflower seeds or omit the topping entirely, but the signature flavor comes from the almonds.

Do Bee Sting Bars need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but they last longer and stay firmer when stored in the fridge.

Can I use almond flour?

Almond flour won’t work as a direct substitute for the base, but you could experiment with partial substitution for a nuttier flavor.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

Let them cool completely and use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife between cuts helps prevent sticking.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, try chopped pecans or walnuts, but sliced almonds give the classic texture and look.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar in the base, but be careful with the topping—it needs sugar to caramelize properly.

Are they freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to a month. Thaw and enjoy at room temperature.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but the taste and texture will vary.

Why are they called Bee Sting Bars?

They’re named after the honey in the topping—like something sweet enough to attract bees!

Conclusion

Bee Sting Bars are a beautiful, bakery-style treat that combines ease with elegance. With their soft, tender base and caramelized honey-almond topping, they’re bound to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging at home, these bars deliver the flavor of a classic dessert in the easiest way possible.

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