This is a one-layer carrot cake recipe, which is much easier to bake and assemble than a layered cake. Feel free to use either an 8 or 9-inch cake pan. Note that the baking times and thickness will vary based on which size you use. 8” Pan: Bake the cake for 1 hour. The cake will be smaller and thicker. 9” Pan: Bake the cake for 50-55 minutes. This will produce a cake that is longer and thinner.