I would like to experiment with different flavors of both cakes and frostings but I have no idea where to start. I have been watching that show cupcake wars and am amazed how these competitors can come up with delicious cupcakes on the spot. Is there a basic cake recipe that I should stick with and just add in a particular flavor of choice?

HMMM GREAT QUESTION THIS DESERVES A BUMP CAUSE i WOULD LOVE TO KNOW THIS AS WELL!

I actually just went to the cupcake wars website and found that they posted a lot of the recipes from the show which is great becuase the flavor combinations are so different. However, I am still interested in creating my own unique flavors as well.

I suggest you take a look at the thread about gourmet flavors:
http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-614554-flavoring.html
It's over 360 pages long, but there are dozens of ideas for flavor combinations in the first 5 pages.

Good luck,
Shanter

I have a tried and true basic white cake recipe that I adjust when I try new flavours. It seems to work everytime from lime to chocolate mint to mango to rootbeer. It is all in what you add to it.