RequireJS loader plugin for returning a compiled template. Underscore is used here - swap out for your favourite template library.

require-template.js

// RequireJS loader plugin for returning a compiled template
// Underscore is used here, swap out for your favourite template library

define(['text', 'underscore'], function(textLoader, _) {
  var buildMap = {};
  
  return {
    
    load: function(name, req, onload, config) {
      
      onTextLoad = function(content) {
        var compiledTemplate = _.template(content);
        if (config.isBuild) {
          buildMap[name] = compiledTemplate;
        }
        onload(compiledTemplate);
      }
      
      textLoader.load(name, req, onTextLoad, config);
    },
    
    // for the optimiser:
    write: function(pluginName, moduleName, write) {
      if (buildMap.hasOwnProperty(moduleName)) {
        var content = textLoader.jsEscape(buildMap[moduleName]);
        write.asModule(pluginName + "!" + moduleName, "define(function() { return " + content + "; });\n");
      }
    }
    
  };
});