All we need is a little excuse to eat dessert, right? But there's no need to feel guilty afterwards when you're savoring one of these good-for-you treats, which in some cases are made with fruit, a vegetable, nuts, or dark chocolate, so you can feel good about serving these sweet eats to your kids, too. Remember, you can have your cake . . . just don't make a meal out of it.

• Triple Chocolate Cookies
• Chocolate-Covered Banana Pops
• Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Lemony Cream Cheese Frosting
• Grilled Bananas with Chai Syrup
• Kitchen Sink Cookies

Recipes provided courtesy of Ellie Krieger. © 2008-2009 In Balance, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

To learn more about Ellie Krieger, MS, RD -- New York Times bestselling author and host of Food Network’s Healthy Appetite -- go to www.elliekrieger.com.

For more of Ellie Krieger's recipes, eat-smart advice, and tips, check out her Kaboose column, Great Food, Healthy Family.

RELATED ELLIE KRIEGER RECIPES:

• Ellie's Scrumptious Scramble
• Ellie's Vegetable Cheese Strata
• Ellie's Cherry Vanilla Oatmeal
• Ellie's Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce

RELATED KABOOSE RECIPES:

• Blueberry Yogurt Ice
• Yogurt Berry Parfaits
• More Delicious Summer Desserts

RELATED FEATURES:

• Dessert Do's and Dont's
• Feel Good Foods: Spring Sensations
• The Uncommon Sense Guide to Healthy Eating
• Great Food, Healthy Family with Ellie Krieger