Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Adjust the racks to the center of the oven. Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick spray.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, ginger, cloves and nutmeg in a large bowl. Beat together the butter and brown sugar in a separate bowl with an electric hand-held mixer until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the applesauce, ending with the flour, being careful not to over-mix. Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean, 55 minutes. Cool completely before inverting. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if using.