A lava cake is a type of cake (usually chocolate) with a filling (also usually chocolate) in the center. When cut open, chocolate "lava" runs out, like a volcano.A lava cake's center is made from not baking the cake all the way through, so the 'lava' filling is hot and runny. Lava cakes are usually made in ramekins, but can also be made in a regular muffin tin.The lava cake recipe varies along with baking time. The lava cakes are usually served with ice cream.Other names for lave cake are volcano cake, molten lava cake, melting chocolate cake, and warm melting chocolate cake.