6tablespoonsunsalted butterat room temperature (plus additional for pan)
1cupsugar
1egg
½cupbuttermilk(OR milk)
2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
½teaspoonalmond extract
1tablespoonssparkling sugarfor topping
Instructions
Place the pomegranate arils on a paper towel-lined plate to remove some of the moisture and set aside.
Position rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9" deep-dish pie plate.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the butter until creamy. Add the sugar and beat on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes until light and fluffy. Turn down the mixer and slowly blend in the egg, buttermilk, and extracts. With the mixer on low, gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pie plate and smooth the top. Sprinkle the pomegranate arils on top of the batter, lightly pressing them down. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar.
Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue baking for 50 to 60 minutes, or until cake tests done with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake.
Place the pie plate on a rack and allow to cool. Slice into wedges and serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream or perfectly plain.
Video
Notes
TO MAKE BUTTERMILK: Measure 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar into the bottom of a measuring cup. Fill up to the ½-cup line with milk. Stir and allow to sit for 10 minutes until thickened.
TO SEED A POMEGRANATE UNDERWATER (recommended for the least mess): Fill a large bowl with cool water and slice the pomegranate in half. Take one half of the pomegranate and, holding it underwater, break it into large pieces and pop out the seeds, allowing them to fall to the bottom of the bowl. After extracting all of the seeds and discarding the pomegranate peel, most of the pieces of membrane will be floating in the water as the seeds will have sunk. Pour as much water and membrane out of the bowl as possible, without losing any seeds. Pour the seeds and remaining water into a colander and pick out any remaining membrane. Repeat with the other half of the pomegranate.