Cardamom Saffron Cake {Inspired by the Kuwaiti Cake Qors Oqaily}

Name: Cardamom Saffron Cake {Inspired by the Kuwaiti Cake Qors Oqaily}
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: ¼ teaspoon saffron threads + ½ tablespoon sugar + 1 tablespoon hot water; 2 cups (255 g) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1¼ teaspoons ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1½ cups (300 g) sugar; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup (180 ml) low-fat milk; ½ cup (120 ml) light olive oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Fresh whipped cream; Fresh pomegranate arils; Butter and flour, for the pan