Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
Combine the sugar, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl, whisking them together.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients within the wet ingredients, combine well after each addition.
Stir in the chopped apples, vanilla extract, and nuts (if using).
Transfer the batter into the greased cake pan, then use a spatula to even out the top.
Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling.