Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) bundt pan or loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add in the vegetable oil and applesauce and mix until smooth.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough, dry cake.

If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.

Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cake has cooled, you can either serve it as is or top it with your favorite glaze or frosting.