Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan.

Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; beat in eggs.

Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cloves together into a separate bowl; mix into butter mixture until moistened. Fold in apples; transfer to the prepared loaf pan.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert carefully onto a wire rack to cool completely.