1. Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl, stir in corn syrup and set aside; sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
2. Dissolve the soda in applesauce;(or coffee if using) add flour mixture and applesauce mixture alternately to creamed mixture.
3. Pour into greased 13X9-inch pan; bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until cake tests done.