Hold onto your spoons, because Tyra Banks is shaking up the dessert world with something that’s leaving fans both intrigued and baffled: hot ice cream. Yes, you read that right—the iconic supermodel and entrepreneur has launched a warm, pourable, sip-friendly dessert that defies everything we thought we knew about ice cream. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a genius culinary innovation or a head-scratching experiment? Let’s dive into everything we know about Tyra’s latest venture and why it’s sparking such polarizing reactions.
At 51, Tyra Banks isn’t just a runway legend—she’s a businesswoman with a penchant for pushing boundaries. In late September, she unveiled her newest creation, dubbed Fairy Dough Diva Hot Mama, to her 7.2 million Instagram followers. Her post read: ‘The weather isn’t the only thing warming up in Sydney. 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, pourable, sip-friendly dessert.’ While Tyra’s enthusiasm was palpable, her fans were…confused. One follower quipped, ‘Is she crashing out or…?’ Another joked, ‘This is what happens when you’re beautiful your whole life.’ Clearly, the concept of hot ice cream isn’t sitting well with everyone—but is that enough to write it off?
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 the brand’s house-made fairy dough crunch biscuit. It’s a dessert that blurs the lines between comfort food and avant-garde indulgence. But here’s the part most people miss: Tyra isn’t just selling a product—she’s selling an experience. Her Sydney-based ice cream shop, SMiZE & DREAM, which opened in January 2020, is designed to feel like ‘a little bit of an immersive theater.’ She envisions it becoming a household name in Australia, a country she fell in love with after moving there in 2023 with her son, York, and her boyfriend, Louis Bélanger-Martin.
And this is where it gets personal. Tyra named the hot ice cream Hot Mama as a tribute to her own mother, Carolyn London, who used to lift her spirits with ice cream during their mother-daughter bonding sessions. ‘We’d sit in the car, people-watch, and talk about our dreams,’ Tyra shared with HELLO!. ‘This is an extension of that.’ It’s a heartfelt homage to motherhood and the hustle of women everywhere—but is it enough to win over skeptical fans?
Tyra’s venture into the ice cream business isn’t just a whim. Australia, along with the U.S. and New Zealand, is one of the top ice cream-consuming countries in the world. ‘I’m happy here, and they love to eat some ice cream,’ she told Jenna Bush Hager on TODAY. ‘So, are we going to do this, family? And we did.’ Her son, York, is even getting in on the action, critiquing ads and taglines like a mini marketing mogul. But as Tyra expands her empire, the question remains: will Hot Mama become a beloved classic or a fleeting novelty?
Here’s the controversial take: Tyra’s hot ice cream might be ahead of its time. While some fans are skeptical, innovation often starts with confusion. Remember when cold brew coffee or savory ice cream first hit the scene? They were met with raised eyebrows too. So, is Tyra’s Hot Mama a game-changer or a misstep? We’ll let the taste buds (and time) decide. But one thing’s for sure: Tyra Banks isn’t afraid to stir the pot—literally. What do you think? Would you give hot ice cream a try, or is this one dessert trend too far? Let us know in the comments!
