Australia’s favourite cookbook author and leading food personality is celebrating 16 years of donna hay magazine – a milestone celebration reflective of the success and impact the award-winning magazine has had on Australians and food lovers across the globe.

The 16^th birthday collector’s edition celebrates the heights of donna hay hallmarks with a journey through beautiful food styling, inspired recipes, world-class photography and design – and of course, a stunning spring-inspired location shoot.

With celebration at the heart of the issue, the magazine is themed with plenty of sweets and treats, as well as feature pages of blood orange recipes, elderflower favourites and exclusive staff shortcuts. Hailing the cover is the chocolate salted caramel swirl cupcake – the star recipe and a nod to the magazine’s classic recipes which have filled the pages for 95 issues.

“What a journey!” said Donna Hay. “Looking back from where I started to where we are today, there is an enormous amount of pride and joy I take with me every day.

“Creating this magazine for 16 years has been one of the most rewarding, exciting and genuinely fulfilling adventures with the magazine.

“We are in the midst of incredibly exciting times. There has never been a greater appetite for understanding and appreciating great food and living – and this is exactly what we do.

“While creating better cooking at home with nourishing and inspirational recipes remains at the heart of what we do, the way we engage with readers along the journey will continue to evolve. I am privileged to be leading the charge into all-new experiences and cannot wait to chart the next wave of food, style and design as we evolve into the next 16 years!”

The eponymous masthead also features quick fixes and styling know-how for elegant and casual entertaining, as well as an extract from the latest issue of sister magazine, donna hay Fresh + Light.

In her signature style, Donna celebrated the magazine’s sweet 16^th with an elegant and intimate birthday event inspired by the magazine’s location shoot – a timeless setting bursting with spring buds, delicate flowers and outstretched branches. A breathtaking dessert table took centre stage with a sensational cake selection, abundant with sweet treats and the iconic birthday cupcakes from the cover.

The 16^th birthday collector’s edition is on sale 11 September in leading newsagencies and supermarkets. Digital editions are also available from 11 September on iPad and Android from the Apple App and Google Play.