Many people are confused about the difference between desserts and pastries. Not all desserts are pastries. Most cakes and cupcakes are not pastries. Cookies, candy, pudding, and ice cream are also not usually pastries. A bakery sells many different types of pastries, which are made by the baker. In a restaurant, pastries are made by a pastry chef. Many times the the pastry chef is in charge of the entire dessert menu, not just pastries.