diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index ba68976..3b3c4d1 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -313,6 +313,9 @@ function M.define_recipe(def)
         inputs      = inputs,
         tools       = tools,
         outputs     = outputs,
+        -- bw-compat alias: consumers (e.g. UI icon resolvers) that read
+        -- `recipe.output.template` keep working; points at the first output.
+        output      = outputs[1],
         name        = def.name,
         description = def.description,
         is_known    = is_known,