In a large bowl, mix the sugar and butter until creamy. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Add the applesauce. Line a muffin pan with paper cupcake cups and fill each about 2/3 full (it should fill 12 muffin cups). Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Allow cupcakes to cool completely and then frost with the frosting of your choice. Cream cheese or vanilla is a good choice with these cupcakes.