Hungarian Dobos Torte

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1. 1Step 1: In a medium skillet over low-medium heat, combine the maple syrup and the larger pieces of chopped hazelnuts. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the maple syrup thickens and the hazelnuts crystallize. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
2. 2Step 2: Melt the chocolate in a heavy sauce pot or double boiler and set aside to cool.
3. 3Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar, and beat until well incorporated. If the powdered sugar is clumpy, sift it before adding.
4. 4Step 4: Beat the eggs in a small bowl until frothy. Add the melted chocolate to the egg mixture and beat just until well combined. Then add this to the butter mixture and beat until no butter pieces are visible and the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 4-5 minutes. Refrigerate the frosting to cool.
5. 5Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Prepare a 12 x 17 inch pan or six 8 inch round layer cake pans with removable bottoms by lining with parchment paper.
6. 6Step 6: Sift the flour over parchment paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until very thick and lemon colored, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
7. 7Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating well. Beat until rounded peaks form, about 3 minutes. Gently spread the egg yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites and fold in.
8. 8Step 8: Divide the sifted flour into four portions. Sift one portion at a time over the egg mixture and gently fold just until blended after each addition. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan or cake pans in equal amounts and spread to 1/4 inch thickness.
9. 9Step 9: Bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove to cooling racks and let rest for 4-5 minutes. Then carefully and quickly remove the parchment paper. Place the cake on the cooling racks to cool with the right side up.
10. 10Step 10: Once the cake is cooled, if using a sheet pan, cut the cake into 6 equal pieces: first in half, then divide each half into 3 sections. Remove the frosting from the refrigerator and beat until fluffy.
11. 11Step 11: Place the first layer on your serving tray and begin layering. Add about 1/8-1/4 inch of the frosting after each cake layer is added. Once the cake is frosted, add the maple glazed hazelnuts to the top and bottom sides of the cake.
12. 12Step 12: Refrigerate until ready to serve.