Just because it's dessert doesn't mean it has to stray from the basic tenets of healthy eating. Try our recipes featuring natural ingredients, low-calorie portions, and plenty of flavor.

The sweet spiciness of the crystallized ginger in these cookies complements the dark chocolate. Makes 30 cookies (84 calories each).

This shortbread calls for a combination of whole-wheat and traditional flour, and is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Makes 16 servings (178 calories each).

The nutritional value of traditional chocolate chip cookies is upped by using bittersweet dark chocolate, oat flour, brown rice syrup, and natural almonds. Makes 4 dozen cookies (104 calories each).

Apricot jam and bittersweet chocolate ganache add a unique flavor to these cookies. Makes 30 sandwiches (197 calories each).

These four-ingredient cookies are sweetened with vanilla sugar. Makes 3 dozen (70 calories each).

Combine crunchy almonds and sweet dark chocolate for a delicious dessert that's actually healthy to eat. Makes 32 clusters (114 calories each).

A coating of toasted almonds and coconut around these inventive rice pudding balls keeps them from sticking to your fingers, and adds a satisfying crunch. Makes about 24 balls (95 calories each).

Nonfat frozen yogurt and egg whites lighten up this indulgent ice-cream cookie. Makes 12 sandwiches (90 calories each).

Puree 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk, 1 banana, 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen berries, and 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture into ice pop molds and freeze. Makes 10 pops (75 calories each).

Avocado adds an unexpected savoriness -- plus its retro shade of green -- to icy gelato, made in part with fat-free milk. Makes 4 servings (166 calories).

Scoops of sorbet made with red papaya and a zingy dose of freshly squeezed lime juice pack plenty of antioxidant power in the form of lycopene and vitamin C. Makes 4 servings (221 calories each).

The two types of cranberries in this recipe create a sweet and tart pie. Gravenstein apples work best because they hold their shape and have a delicious tart flavor. If you cannot find Gravenstein, try Pink Lady, McIntosh, or Braeburn. You'll also need a 9-inch pie pan. Makes 8 servings (324 calories each).

Pure maple syrup, rather than sugar, sweetens this holiday favorite. Canned pumpkin puree is quick and easy to use. Don't substitute fresh pumpkin puree; it will be too watery. Makes 8 servings (265 each).

Our Pomegranate Gelee replaces gelatin with agar, a natural setting agent made from seaweed. Makes 8 servings (157 calories each).

Pair this lighter version of rice pudding with your favorite dried fruit. Makes 8 servings (226 calories each).

In this dessert, ricotta holds the berries in place while providing a wonderfully creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Makes 4 servings (282 calories per serving).

Making these cookies is a perfect family activity -- the absence of flour means there's no fuss and no muss, and they're safe even for family members with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Makes 24 cookies (228 calories each).

Rolled oats and whole-wheat flour give these sweet treats added fiber. Makes 30 sandwich cookies (208 calories for 2).

When the kids cry for candy, keep them happy with these colorful, all-natural treats. Serve them as a sweet finish to a meal, or dip them in chocolate, let set, and pack them as a gift. (155 calories per 1/4 cup serving.)

You can easily double this recipe -- just be sure to wash the skillet between each batch. Makes 2 servings (255 calories each).

Instead of using regular cookies as the "bread" for ice cream sandwiches, use thin and crispy low-cal waffle cookies. (166 calories each, with vanilla ice cream.)

These cupcakes use orange marmalade, a citrus preserve that includes shreds or chunks of the peel, as an ingredient and a topping. If you find it too bitter, look for "sweet" on the label or purchase marmalade made from sweet oranges. Makes 18 cupcakes (237 calories each).

Because these cookies are so small, you can have a few in one serving and savor the flavor. Makes 26 cookies (36 calories each).

These snack bars can be refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to two days. Makes 24 bars (202 calories each).

Have fun making sweet, flavorful swirls when you pour this mixture into their ice-pop molds. Makes 10 pops (59 calories each).

Keep the coals warm during dinner, then make this sweet course on the grill to finish off the meal. Makes 4 servings (with 1/4 cup ice cream, 126 calories each).

You don't need a campfire to create a summer-camp vibe -- any outdoor grill will do. Makes 4 s'mores (117 calories each).

These cookies are quick and easy to make, using not-too-sweet, store-bought chocolate wafers. Makes 16 cookies (80 calories each).

Fresh orange juice and mint leaves give this easy dish a gourmet look and taste. Makes 6 servings (93 calories each).

To make this dessert ahead of time, reduce the amount of gelatin to 1 1/2 teaspoons and let the mousse set in the refrigerator for 1 1/2 hours. Makes 4 servings (329 calories each).

Wonton wrappers, sold in the freezer or refrigerated section of the grocery store, provide the perfect crunch for yogurt and strawberries. Or, change up this recipe by topping them with ricotta cheese and cinnamon instead. Makes 6 sandwiches (178 calories).

Zucchini makes these treats nice and moist. You can substitute pecans for the walnuts. Makes 24 muffins (176 calories each).

The pies can be made through step 2, up to a day ahead. Assemble them just before serving. They look especially pretty dusted with confectioners' sugar. Makes 15 pies (240 calories each).

Serve these delightful lemon-lime tea cakes as refreshing nibbles alongside your favorite tea. Makes 24 cakes (103 calories each).

These sweet and crunchy cookies will hit the spot, and healthy fats from the walnuts will help keep you satisfied. Makes 30 cookies (90 calories each).

If you've only had savory focaccia, you're in for a treat. This sweet version is an original twist on dessert and also makes a delicious snack. Makes 12 servings (333 calorie each).

These brownies a la mode get topped with chocolate sauce, nuts, and coconut. Makes 8 sundaes (275 calories each, without extra toppings).

For the most visually rewarding presentation, layer the parfaits in clear glasses. Makes 6 servings (164 calories each).

In a pinch, a half-ounce of 70 percent dark chocolate and four slivered almonds is an easy, no-bake way to satisfy your sweet tooth (96 calories).

The secret ingredients in these brownies-made-healthier are whole-wheat flour and sweet potato puree. Makes 12 brownies (148 calories each).

By swapping soy milk for regular, you ensure that dark chocolate's antioxidants will be more fully absorbed. Makes 4 servings (327 calories each).

This year, don't reach for powdered ginger. Fresh ginger gives this traditional dessert a healthy, flavorful update. Makes 12 servings (252 calories each).

Paper-thin crepes are improved upon health-wise with blackberries; this fruit is among the most fiber-rich you'll find and is a good source of vitamin C. Buttermilk -- a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream -- provides the base for the filling. Makes 6 servings (231 each).

Layered and light, the tiers of this cake call for cholesterol-free egg whites and skim milk; the berries in between are thought to be brain boosters. Makes 10 servings (350 calories each).

Individual fruit puddings made with guava juice, a good source of lycopene, are topped with yogurt and heart-healthy almonds. Makes 6 servings (195 calories each).

Vitamins A and C found in the peaches and apricots take the cake in this sweet after-dinner treat. Makes 4 servings (193 calories each).

Silken tofu makes this dessert smooth, while fresh lemon juice adds a burst of tart flavor. Makes 4 servings (196 calories each).

Raw foods like this vegan tart make great snacks: They don't require an oven or microwave, and you don't have to worry about reheating them later. Makes one 9-inch tart (309 calories).

Kanten, also called agar-agar, is a vegetable gelatin. This is a great palate refresher for a warm summer evening. Makes 6 to 8 servings (about 175 calories each).

Choose soft, plump dried figs for this easy, healthy dessert. Very hard figs won't soften even as they soak. If you include the zest, choose an organic orange to avoid pesticide residues. Makes 6 servings (215 calories per serving).