Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or 8x8-inch square pan.

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

In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs for 2 minutes until pale and thick.

Stir the applesauce and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture until just combined.

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until no streaks of flour remain, being careful not to overmix.

Gently fold in the raisins or chopped pecans if using.

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

Bake at 350°F for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.