Minny's Chocolate Pie from The Help

Minny's famous chocolate pie minus the terrible awful from the book and movie The Help! This fudgy - chocolate pie was a big hit in our house, just like in the movie. Everybody loved the chocolaty middle and crackly topping.  
The Help is one of my favorite movies! They're are so many things I love about this movie, the scenery, the vintage kitchens, the food, and the cast, especially Minny and Celia Foote. One of my favorite scenes is when Minny and Celia meet for the first time. 

I love Celia's bubbly personality as she runs out the door jumping up and down waving to Minny and saying "hey" Once inside Minny looks at Celia's floured face and says, are you cooking something? 

Celia replies "one of those upside down cakes from the magazine and brushes the flour off her skirt and says "it ain't working out too good" LOL Poor Celia she didn't know the first thing about cooking, but she was eager to learn.

Good ole southern food plays a huge role in this movie. Goodness seeing all that fried chicken, collard greens, okra, deviled eggs, ambrosia, and chocolate pie, all my favorites. If you've read the book or seen the movie then you know that Minny's Chocolate Pie is famous in this movie. 

Today I'm sharing the recipe for Minny's Chocolate Pie not with the terrible awful, but the original chocolate pie. This recipe is the actual one used for the chocolate pies made in the film. 

Newspaper Columnist Lee Ann Flemming, one of the best bakers in Greenwood Mississippi, made 53 of these chocolate pies for the filming of the movie. The original recipe appeared on the Food & Wine website back in 2011 and her fudgy version of this pie is a classic.  

I've made different versions of chocolate pie, but by far Minny's Chocolate Pie is my favorite. I can hardly believe it myself, because my Chocolate Meringue Pie has been my favorite pie for so long. 

I've made this pie twice since Christmas, because it's that good. Most of all I love the simplicity of this recipe and it turns out perfect every time! If you haven't made this pie yet you need to because it's simply delicious!!!! Let's get started on the step-by-step recipe (full recipe is at the end of this post).

Preheat the oven to 350°. Add the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges. Prick the crust lightly with a fork. Line the crust with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans (this keeps the pie crust from bubbling up). Bake for 15 minutes or until set. Remove the foil and weights and bake for about 5 minutes longer, just until the crust is dry but not browned; set aside. 

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar with the cocoa powder, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and salt until smooth. 

Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake for about 45 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but a little jiggly in the center. Cover the crust with strips of foil halfway through baking. 

Transfer the pie to a rack and let cool completely before slicing.  

Add a dollop of fresh cream before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers. 



Yield: 6-8
Author: Tina Butler | Mommy's Kitchen
Minny's Chocolate Pie

Minny's Chocolate Pie

Minny's famous chocolate pie minus the terrible awful from the book and movie The Help! This fudgy - chocolate pie was a big hit in our house, just like in the movie. Everybody loved the chocolaty middle and crackly topping.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

Ingredients

  • 1 store bought deep dish frozen pie crust or use a homemade pie crust
  • 1  1/2 cups sugar
  • 3  tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2  large eggs, beaten
  • 3/4  cup evaporated milk
  • 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4  teaspoon salt
  • fresh whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Add the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges. Prick the crust lightly with a fork.
  2. Line the crust with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes or until set. Remove the foil and weights and bake for about 5 minutes longer, just until the crust is dry but not browned; set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar with the cocoa powder, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and salt until smooth.
  5. Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake for about 45 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but a little jiggly in the center.
  6. Cover the crust with strips of foil halfway through baking. Transfer the pie to a rack and let cool completely before cutting into wedges.
  7. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes:

This chocolate pie can be made a day before serving if refrigerated overnight.

Did you make this recipe?
Tag @mommyskitchen on instagram and hashtag it #mommyskitchen

recipe source: Lee Ann Flemming 



This is another one of my favorite scenes in the movie when at the end Celia proudly cooks a meal for Minny to say thank you for all her help. Just look at ll that southern food gracing the table. 


41 comments

Colleen said…
Not familiar with the movie; just not a movie person but that pie sure does look very rich and yummy.
Love chocolate pie.
I know, just from the looks of it that this will be a keep for sure. Haven't found a recipe on your blog that I haven't enjoyed.
Thank you for the recipe and along with bit of information about the movie.
Have an enjoyable week
Tina Butler said…
Hi Colleen! You must see The Help it is such a great movie. I too love chocolate pie and you won't be disappointed when you make it. Have a great day!
Anonymous said…
I love this post and the pie looks awesome. I really enjoyed that movie, too. I will have to get it again to rewatch. Thanks for a great post. It reminds me of your earlier posts, made with simple, unprocessed ingredients, real old fashioned cooking--love it!!!
What a great post Tina. The pie sounds awesome. Love love love the movie. Thanks for sharing!
Unknown said…
I've only read the book. But I know I NEVER want to eat that pie lol
Amy Lampert said…
Please tell me what I need to do in order to use a frozen pie crust. I have several in my freezer that I would like to use up, and this sounds like a fabulous way to do it. Thanks so much!
Tina Butler said…
Is it frozen pie crust that is in a pie plate or frozen that you have made? If it is frozen store bought pie crust in the pie pan, remove from the freezer thaw and proceed with the recipe. If it is homemade you will need to thaw the pie crust and then roll it out and place in a pie pan.
Amy Lampert said…
Thanks so much for your reply. It's a frozen store bought crust (I know, I know). I'll do as suggested. I appreciate it!
Sargento said…
What a fantastic chocolate pie. Most of us love this kind of food recipe. I think it's good even if its hot or cold.
Tina Butler said…
@Amy there is no shame in using store bought pie crust. I use it as well.
Maya said…
Chocolate pie looks like something special for the special people. I'd like to cook it for my birthday. Thank you for sharing.
Leslie said…
Love the movie!!! That pie sounded amazing in it until the "terrible-awful", lol. This pie truly does look wonderful with that old fashioned goodness about it! I could take a piece with hot coffee about now. Thanks for sharing and making this such a fun post:)
Blessings,
Leslie
Carol Gacesa said…
Wow, amazing pie! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I recently moved back to Pennsylvania from Virginia and I feel as if I am going through withdrawal from the lack of chocolate pie I’ve encountered here. In Virginia chocolate pie could easily be found at any restaurant or gathering. I am definitely going to have to try your recipe and introduce my northern family to chocolate pie greatness. Thanks!!
The Help is one of my favorite movies! Love this recipe and can't wait to make it soon. Thanks for sharing at Weekend Potluck!
Unknown said…
I just came across this again today as I was going through my recipes. My 14yr old daughter has been wanting chocolate pie & even moreso since she saw the french silk at an Eat n Park restaurant here in western PA. I just read the recipe off to her and the only ingredient we need is the pie shell! So, guess what we will be baking together this weekend! (along with yummy banana bread)...you got it - Chocolate pie! It's suppose to rain tomorrow anyway so it'll be a perfect day - although when the Arts Festival is going on every year in June it rains and it'll be over on Sunday. Kids are out of school now and they're going to want something yummy here & there, besides fruit, nutella and celery. Have a great weekend my friends!!
Unknown said…
I absolutely loved this movie as well, it's right there with Fried green tomatoes,
this pie, just makes me laugh at that (u know which) scene haha wickedly awesome
thank you for sharing making tonite.
Love your site
Caitlin said…
What is your recommendation for higher altitudes? We live in Denver, CO. I made this today and after 45 minutes it was still barely done. After another 25 minutes (done in 5 minute increments) its still undercooked. Please help.

Unknown said…
heads up to anyone planning to make one, this won't have the texture of French silk pie, it'll be more like a brownie. I've been looking for a good southern chocolate pie recipe for awhile, I cannot wait to eat mine.
Unknown said…
I havnt seen the movie but its on my list to see. Made the chocolate pie tonight. Delicious!!! Thanks
Tammy said…
Oh my! I'm a southern girl and that is one of my favorite movies too. I loved the book even more. I personally have never had a Chocolate Pie, but after reading the book, I must say, I would love to try one. Such good comfort food.
monicazyoung said…
I loved the movie and I am so happy to find this recipe just before our 4th of July weekend celebrations. This is a pie that looks delicious and easy to make and it is perfect for after our BBQ dessert
Unknown said…
I love pie. Literally any kind of pie but chocolate is probably my favorite. I am going to try this recipe next week for my son's birthday celebration I think he would like it too.
LisaLisa said…
OMGoodness, the Help was so good. Tina I couldn't help but lol about the pie part! I am not a pie gal, but I know my husband would love this pie for he is a true pie guy!!
Unknown said…
I haven't seen the movie but I imagine I would be just like Celie. I'm not a good baker by any means but I know good chocolate pie.ill have to get braver and try this recipe one of these days,
Madi said…
I want a slice! I love baking pies so much, they always end up tasting wonderful! Plus, chocolate desserts are always my favorite! What's not to love?!
Unknown said…
Do you know i've never seen this movie, but it's been on my list for a long time. I have the book on my shelf, but no time to read it.

Chocolate pie is perfect year round. Looks delish!!
Anonymous said…
Can I substitute regular milk or even scalded milk for the evaporated milk?
Unknown said…
Hey, very nice site. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
mango juice

Keep Posting:)
juliepollitt said…
Just watched some of this movie last night! The pie looks delicious!
Katie Hogan said…
I made this and when I took it out of the oven, the top looked right, but when I cut into it, I was devastated to see that the cocoa had risen to the top and the rest was a gelatinous mess that looked like gravy. What happened? How do I never do that again?
Unknown said…
Does this need to be a deep pie crust or regular?
Tina Butler said…
The original recipe only stated a 15 oz pie crust, but I always use a deep dish.
Mizz Kitty said…
It's 2020 and I was looking for a good chocolate pie recipe after watching the movie. I decided to make one. Less than 24 hours later I had to make another one because my family and I devoured it. This pie is SOOOOOOO delicious and chocolaty. I was worried because there is only 3 TBL of chocolate in it, but it's full of flavor. The center was gooey and yummy and the top had a nice little crust on it. This is a keeper recipe for sure.
Ms. Hicks said…
What can I substitute for evaporated milk? Can I use heavy whipped cream? Thank you.
Tina Butler said…
The substitute for evaporated milk would be regular milk, half and half or you can use powdered milk.
Anonymous said…
Hi! Can I do this pie but add meringue to the top? Will it still bake well?
Tina Butler said…
I have only made the recipe as written. If you are looking for a chocolate meringue pie I have a recipe on my blog. Here is the link: Chocolate Meringue Pie
Anonymous said…
What is pie weights? I don’t understand that part
Anonymous said…
Yes! I made this! Love it!! Oh! Pie weights can be found on Amazon for $11-$18. Can use dry beans instead but you have to throw them out afterwards. They keep the walls of the pie shell from shrinking back from the sides of the pie pan. Yum! Yum!
Brian said…
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I love the film and rewatching it recently gave me the itch to make this pie.

The pie turned out correctly, but I found it overly sweet - I suspect that's because I'm in Australia and we don't typically do foods as sweet as Americans do. Just a heads up in case any other non-Americans see this: you may find you have the same reaction. I'm going to try making it again, but with probably around one third as much sugar.
Sagittarius49 said…
I think you got one of the ingredients wrong; Minnie said she used “…that good vanilla from Mexico…”, not just plain vanilla🤷‍♂️