fresh coconut work instead of desiccated one ?

Fresh coconut would contain a bit too much moisture to make your final candies easy to pick up, I'm afraid. That could leave you with a plate full of sticky truffles. It's fairly simple to dry your fresh coconut shreds, and a quick whirl in a food processor or blender would get you the snow fine consistency you are looking for in a coating. It would take a little time, but whatever you did not use would be ready and waiting for the next batch of goodies at least.