In a large saucepan, combine apple pieces and cherry syrup. Bring to boil and stir occasionally.
Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until apples are very tender (about 15 minutes) and stir occasionally.
While apples are cooking, chop roughly 12 stemless maraschino cherries until you can fill a ¼ cup with the pieces.
Remove apples from heat and transfer to a bowl. Add cherries, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Mash with potato masher or food processor. Ta da!