What is a dessert? A dessert is generally a sweet course served at the end of a meal. It is a type of food that is eaten after lunch or dinner, and sometimes after a light meal or snack. It is usually a sweet food, like ice cream, cookies, and cakes. In some countries, cheeses such as Brie cheese and fruit are served as dessert. Some desserts are made from natural resources like fruit juice used in sorbet. Others are simple, like pudding and birthday cake. Many desserts are baked (cooked in an oven). Some desserts are served with whipped cream as a topping. Therefore, dessert applies to many confections, such as biscuits, cakes, cookies, custards, gelatin's, ice creams, pastries, pies, puddings and tarts. Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. Some cultures sweeten foods that are more commonly savoury to create desserts. A dessert or pudding should contrast with earlier courses and should also complement the meal. A dessert plays an important role in determining the customer’s overall impression of the meal.