While the pie crust is chilling and baking, prepare the apples.
Peel, quarter, and core apples; slice each quarter crosswise into four pieces about ¼-inch thick. Toss the apples with lemon juice in a large bowl. Next add the sugar, cinnamon, and salt and toss to combine.
Heat butter in large Dutch oven over high heat until melted and the foaming stops. Add apples and stir to coat in the butter. Reduce heat to medium-high, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and starting to break down, about 10-15 minutes.
Set a large colander over the now empty large bowl. Spoon the cooked apples into the colander. Shake colander and gently toss the apples to drain off as much juice as possible.
Return the juice to the Dutch oven and add the cream. Bring to a boil over high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and a wooden spoon leaves trail on the bottom of the pan, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked apples to pre-baked pie shell; pour reduced juice mixture over and smooth top.
Use a fork to break up any large clumps of the crumble topping. Spread the crumble evenly over the top of the apples. Bake the pie in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown, about 15 minutes. The apple filling should be bubbling around the edges. Tent with foil if needed to prevent over browning.
Cool on a wire rack and serve topped with ice cream if desired.