DABCO catalyzed the cross-Rauhut-Currier/transesterification reaction of α-cyano-α,β-unsaturated ketones and aryl acrylates was discovered. The reaction rate law was determined by an integral method under pseudo-first-order reaction conditions, which assisted in proposing the mechanism of cross-Rauhut-Currier reaction promoted by Brønsted acid and establishing the rate-determining step.