In the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the baking soda into the applesauce. Add in the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla and blend well.
Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a sifter. Slowly sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing lightly as you go. Blend on slow until everything is just mixed. Incorporate the chocolate chips into the batter. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured 9x13 baking pan.
Bake on 350°F for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to watch it and check with a toothpick, as you do not want to overbake the cake. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool until it is set, but still warm. Serve while warm, and enjoy!