8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter   3 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs made from firm, homemade-style white bread   3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon   1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg   1/4 teaspoon salt   5 large (6 to 8 ounces each) tart green apples, such as Granny Smith, greening, or Baldwin   1 teaspoon grated lemon zest   2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice   1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice   Heavy cream (optional)

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