Step 1

Start with the filling: In a bowl whisk egg yolks and cornstarch to combine. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan bring milk and sugar over medium-high heat to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir about 1/2 cup of hot milk into the egg yolks to slowly warm it. Then pour tempered egg mixture slowly into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook until filling is thick, for about 2 minutes. Whisk continuously. Stir in vanilla* until combined. Press pudding with a spatula through a mesh strainer into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent forming a skin. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir with a stand or handheld mixer fitted with a whisk attachment milk, sugar, and yeast to combine. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until it starts to get foamy on the surface.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 200°F (100°C). Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 4

Add eggs, butter, and salt and whisk to combine. Replace whisk attachment and attach a dough hook. Add flour and stir on low speed until the dough comes together. Turn on medium speed and knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should be sticky to touch but shouldn't stick to the bowl anymore. If it still sticks to the bowl, add a maximum of 1/2-1 tbsp flour on low speed and knead another 1-2 minutes. Transfer dough to a lightly greased heatproof bowl (brush a few drops of oil in a bowl or use a non-stick spray). Grease the top of the dough as well. Turn off preheated oven and place bowl in the oven to rise for about 15 minutes. Leave the oven door ajar.

Step 5

Remove bowl from the oven and preheat again to 200°F (100°C).

Step 6

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough, to a 9x13 inch rectangle. Take as less flour as possible. Just enough to roll out the dough without any problems. Transfer to the prepared baking pan. Turn off preheated oven and place the Bienenstich dough in the oven to rise for about 30 minutes until it's doubled in size. Leave the oven door ajar.

Step 7

Meanwhile, make the almond honey topping: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan bring butter, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and honey to a boil. Simmer for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add almonds and vanilla* and stir to combine.

Step 8

Remove dough from the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spread almond topping evenly on top of the dough. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 9

Finish the filling: Mix heavy whipping cream with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar and powdered sugar and stir until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 10

In another large bowl mix chilled vanilla pudding until smooth and creamy. Fold in whipped cream.

Step 11

Assemble the Bienenstich: Carefully cut the cake with a long and sharp knife in half horizontally. Make sure that you are staying in a straight line. Remove the top layer. Spread filling on top of the bottom layer and place top layer back on top. Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until filling is firm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.