This is just as good made without the crust and just baked in a 9-inch baking dish, make certain to use Granny Smith apples or similar baking apples, a frozen deep-dish 9-inch pie shell will work well for this
For the filling; mix together all ingredients making sure that the apples are coated well; set aside.
05For the topping; in a processor blend first 5 ingredients; Add in cold butter pieces and process using on/off turns until the mixture resembles wet sand.
06Toss the filling ingredients again to redistribute the juices, then transfer to the prepared pie shell, mounding the apple filling in the center
07Using your hands pack topping over and around the apples.
08Place the pie plate on a baking sheet.
09Bake at 400 degreesF for about 35 minutes or until topping is golden (cover with foil if topping is browning too quickly).
10After 40 minutes REDUCE the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
11Bake until apples in the center are fork-tender and the filling is bubbling thickly at edges (about 30 minutes longer).