March 4 is National Pound Cake Day. This classic recipe from King Arthur Baking is one to make time and again.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, beat 16 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature) until very light. Beat in 1 cup granulated sugar and 4 large eggs, one at a time. Beat until mixture is light and fluffy, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Alternately, add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Stir to combine after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and loosen the cake’s edges. After 5 minutes, turn it out of the pan onto a cooling rack. Just before serving, sift a sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar on top.