Photo by: Photo Courtesy of Smize & Dream
Photo Courtesy of Smize & Dream
Once in a while, someone has a truly innovative idea, a concept that shocks and excites. Well, here’s a new one for you: hot ice cream. Yes, you read that right. Tyra Banks, a self-proclaimed “ice cream sommelier,” wondered if it would be possible to give the frozen dessert a toasty makeover. After a year of research and development, she’s debuting the result.
“I am talking about hot ice cream, something that has not been done before,” Banks says in an Instagram reel announcement. “I ain’t talking about a latte. I’m not talking about a flavored hot chocolate. I’m talking about hot ice cream.”
Confused? We were, too. But don’t worry — we got the inside scoop (pun intended) on the surprising dessert.
What is hot ice cream?
Hot ice cream, officially named Hot Mama in honor of Banks’ mother, is a drinkable, dairy-based dessert made by Banks’ ice cream company, Smize & Dream. The brand describes it as warm and buttery with a silky texture. It stresses that Hot Mama isn’t a drink we’ve had before, and it’s not simply melted ice cream.
“It’s the liquid version of your favorite ice cream scoop — a culinary contradiction that shouldn’t make sense, but somehow, deliciously does,” Smize & Dream says in a press release.
The brand has announced two flavors so far. Fairy Dough Diva — inspired by the Australian favorite, fairy bread — is topped with Chantilly cream, hundreds and thousands (nonpareils) and a house-made biscuit. Tyra’s Favorite, a tribute to her go-to order as a teenager, has a “buttery caramel base” and is topped with whipped cream and roasted, salted pecans. Both flavors come in cold ice cream form, too.
Photo by: Photo Courtesy of Smize & Dream
Photo Courtesy of Smize & Dream
Why did Tyra Banks make hot ice cream?
Banks is an ice cream lover. She says on Instagram that the idea for hot ice cream simply struck her.
“We’ve created a brand-new way to experience ice cream,” she states in a press release. “Hot Mama is about changing the rules — in flavor, in feeling, and in fun. It’s unexpected, indulgent, and absolutely worth being curious about.”
Not everyone understands it.
“girl what do you think is ICE???????” someone comments on Reddit.
Others are into the idea.
“I’m so obsessed with her she’s so unhinged,” another Reddit commenter says.
And for its part, the Smize & Dream team seems to relish the chaos. (The company follows the philosophy “different is better than better.” We do see how that could lead you to hot ice cream.)
“We’ll be honest — the way this has gone viral has taken us (deliciously) by surprise,” a spokesperson tells Food Network over email.
Where can you try Hot Mama?
If you’re in Sydney, you can head to the Smize & Dream flagship store right now to try Hot Mama. For those of us in the States, Banks is bringing Smize & Dream to New York this winter. The exact location is still up in the air.
“SMiZE & DREAM is now in conversation with select venues and brands to bring Hot Mama: Hot Ice Cream to life — from iconic department stores and fashion cafés to museums, hotels, and culinary collaborations,” the brand says.
And, it’s encouraging Instagram users to comment location ideas. So if you know an ideal place to sip hot ice cream, make your voice heard.
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