Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and mix well. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—this isn’t a workout.
Fold in raisins and walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool slightly before slicing. Or don’t. I’m not the cake police.