Bread Machine Beer Bread

Add the water (120°F) to the bread machine pan first, followed by the room-temperature flat beer, molasses, and grated orange rind.

Add the bread flour, rye flour, wheat germ, and salt to the bread machine pan on top of the liquid ingredients.

Create a small indent in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast packet, ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the liquid.

Place the bread pan securely into the bread machine and select the basic bread cycle setting.

Start the bread machine and allow the mixing and kneading cycle to begin automatically.

After about 5 minutes of kneading, add the unsweetened applesauce in small amounts through the top opening while the machine is mixing, allowing it to incorporate fully.

Allow the bread machine to complete its full cycle, which includes mixing, kneading, first rise, shaping, and second rise.

Listen for the bread machine's alert signal indicating that baking is complete (approximately 120 minutes total from start).

Remove the bread pan from the machine and turn out the finished bread onto a wire cooling rack immediately to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Allow the bread to cool completely on the rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.