Hold onto your cones, because Tyra Banks is shaking up the dessert world with something that’s leaving fans both intrigued and utterly baffled: hot ice cream. Yes, you read that right—the iconic supermodel, TV personality, and entrepreneur has just dropped a culinary curveball that’s as bold as her career moves. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a genius innovation or a head-scratching experiment? Let’s dive into everything we know about Tyra’s latest venture and why it’s sparking such a polarizing reaction.
In late September, Tyra, 51, took to her Instagram account (with a whopping 7.2 million followers) to announce her newest creation: a warm, pourable dessert she’s dubbed Fairy Dough Diva Hot Mama. ‘The weather isn’t the only thing warming up in Sydney,’ she teased. ‘We’re bringing you the world’s first HOT ice cream. Not a latte. Not hot chocolate. But hot ice cream, transformed into a warm, sip-friendly treat.’ Sounds intriguing, right? But while Tyra’s enthusiasm is palpable, her fans are…confused. One follower bluntly asked, ‘Is she crashing out or…?’ while another quipped, ‘This is what happens when you’re beautiful your whole life.’ Ouch. But is this skepticism fair, or are we missing the genius behind this unconventional dessert?
Tyra describes Hot Mama as ‘silky, smooth, and sippably warm,’ emphasizing that it’s not melted ice cream. Instead, it’s a buttery vanilla biscuit-infused hot cream topped with Chantilly cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a slice of her brand’s signature fairy dough crunch biscuit. It’s a dessert that defies categories, blending warmth and indulgence in a way that’s either revolutionary or just plain weird—depending on who you ask. And this is the part most people miss: Tyra isn’t just selling a dessert; she’s selling an experience. Her Sydney-based ice cream shop, SMiZE & DREAM, opened in January 2020, is part immersive theater, part sweet escape. ‘We want to have many shops in Australia,’ she told TODAY, adding that she hopes it becomes ‘a household name.’
But why hot ice cream? Tyra explains it’s a tribute to her mother, Carolyn London, who used to lift her spirits with ice cream during their late-night chats in Hollywood. ‘This is an extension of that,’ she shared with HELLO!. It’s a nostalgic, heartfelt nod to motherhood and indulgence—hence the name Hot Mama. ‘Because mamas (and mama figures) hustle hard,’ Tyra says, ‘and deserve to indulge in a little hotness for themselves.’
Here’s the controversial question: Is Tyra’s hot ice cream a brilliant fusion of comfort and innovation, or is it a step too far into the realm of culinary confusion? Some argue it’s a refreshing break from tradition, while others believe ice cream should stay cold—period. What do you think? Is Tyra onto something, or has her creativity gone off the rails? Let’s debate it in the comments—because one thing’s for sure, Tyra Banks knows how to keep us talking.
