Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with a bit of flour.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Incorporate the eggs, adding them one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry combination, mixing just until everything is incorporated.

Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the walnuts. Be careful not to over-mix.

Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan and even out the top to avoid any bumps.

In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it evenly over the bread batter.

Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.