We’ve been hosting a lot of tea parties in the studio lately. We partnered with Thrive Culinary Algae Oil to develop this pound cake recipe that is perfect for a tea party. Thrive oil is much healthier than regular cooking oil because it’s made from algae. It has 75% less saturated fat than olive oil and a light flavor. It’s like a magic oil! You can cook with it and it tastes great. We hosted a little Valentines Tea Party and made this Blood Orange Glazed Pound Cake with it.

One thing that we love about this cake is the glaze is pink! Pair that with some bright berries and blood oranges and it is the perfect color palette for a Valentine’s day brunch. We never say no to cake for breakfast!

Preheat your oven to 350° F and spray an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with a parchment sling so the two longer sides have a little parchment over the edge of the pan to help pull the cake out.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and zest. Then add the oil and sour cream and whisk it together until the mixture is smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk just until the batter is smooth.

Add the batter to the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Set aside the cake in the pan for 30 minutes to let it cool to room temperature, then remove the cake using the parchment sling. Remove the parchment and set it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cake is cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, sour cream, 1 tablespoon of the blood orange juice, and salt. The goal for the glaze is to have it thick and just pourable enough, you’ll probably need to add 1 or 2 more teaspoons of the blood orange juice. Once you have the right consistency pour the glaze over the cake. Let the glaze set for 30 minutes or so and serve.

This post is sponsored by Thrive: Culinary Algae Oil. Thrive Algae Oil, made from algae, is a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils, with a super high level of monounsaturated fats (the good ones!) and 75% less saturated fat than olive oil.  Thrive brand believes in nourishing people today and for generations to come, with the earth’s resources in mind. Thrive is one of the most sustainably produced culinary oils.

Recipe by Billy Green
Styling and photography by Sarah Kate Price